Crackdown on LI impaired drivers

Police are stepping up efforts to find impaired, speeding and distracted drivers as part of a statewide effort during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, local and state officials announced.

Drivers should expect to see more troopers on the highways and police officers on local roads. The effort kicked off on the pre-Thanksgiving travel day that has been recently dubbed "Blackout Wednesday" for the excessive drinking that occurs, mostly among the college-age crowd.

The county will add DWI patrols through the holiday season at a cost of about $200,000, officials said.

"If you drive drunk at any point this weekend, you will be arrested," said Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano.

Nassau's efforts are in addition to the existing STOP DWI program, which is funded with driving while intoxicated fines. The county will spend asset forfeiture funds for the increased patrols, Mangano said.

In Suffolk County, Deputy Chief Kevin Fallon said his force will have zero tolerance for anyone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Uniformed and plainclothes police officers will be out on the streets and on highways looking for distracted and speeding drivers as well as those not wearing seat belts. Police will also conduct anti-larceny patrols at Suffolk malls and commercial districts.

Traffic checkpoints will be visible this weekend and continue through the New Year's holiday, Fallon said.

"This is a weekend when a lot of families are going to be out on the road. And, we are approaching a time of year when everyone goes to parties where alcohol is served and we are just asking people to be responsible, have a designated driver," Fallon said.

State Police will supplement regular patrols with special traffic enforcement teams that will crack down on drivers through Sunday.

Troopers will use fixed sobriety checkpoints and an underage drinker initiative as well as a program called "Operation Hang Up," which targets drivers talking or texting on handheld devices.

State Police will use unmarked vehicles designed to blend in with everyday traffic but which will be unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated, officials said.

"Remember, if you're celebrating with alcohol -- don't get behind the wheel -- get a ride home with a sober driver or make other arrangements," State Police Superintendent Joseph D'Amico said.

By Candice Ferrette

candice.ferrette@newsday.comcandiceferrette

Candice Ferrette covers Nassau County government and politics on Long Island. She has been a reporter at Newsday since 2011.