Suffolk leaders: Don't drive or boat drunk over Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of barbecues and beach getaways, but it's not an excuse for Long Islanders to drink and drive, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and police Commissioner Rodney Harrison said Thursday. 

Suffolk police will beef up patrols and establish checkpoints across the county to target motorists driving under the influence as well as aggressive and distracted drivers. Authorities will also crack down on those operating boats while intoxicated, the officials said during a news conference at Marine Bureau headquarters in Great River. 

“This Memorial Day weekend, make the right choice, keep yourself safe, keep others safe,” Bellone said. “Do not drive drunk, do not get on the roadways impaired.”

Two county beaches — Cupsogue Beach and Smith Point — are scheduled to open this weekend. Several Suffolk beaches were closed temporarily last year because of shark sightings and officials will continue to monitor the beaches for any sign of the predators, Bellone said. 

Twenty-six people were arrested for driving under the influence during a similar crackdown over the 2021 Memorial Day weekend, Harrison said. Violators face up to a year in jail and suspension of their driver’s license.

“There will be zero tolerance this year as well,” the police commissioner added. 

AAA anticipates more motorists on the road this holiday weekend following two years of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The automobile club predicts 39.2 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home. That is an 8.3% increase over 2021.

"We continue to see out there tragedies happening on our roadways.” Bellone said. “We are at a higher risk on a weekend like this when people are celebrating and there are more cars out on the roadways traveling. We urge everyone to do the responsible, do the right thing, and be able to have an enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.”

Late Saturday, an alleged drunken driver from Freeport crashed into a car leaving a Sweet 16 party in New Hyde Park, killing three women inside, Nassau police said.

Harrison asked residents to report anyone suspected of operating a boat while under the influence to police. 

“If anybody sees anybody in the waterways driving recklessly, please call 911,” he said.

With John Asbury and Kendall C. Rodriguez