20 Drunk, Drugged Driving Fatalities Since Memorial Day: Officials Act

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Since Memorial Day weekend, at least 20 people have died on Suffolk County roads due to drunk or drugged drivers — almost three lives lost per week.

The grim statistics were cited by Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, who, along with Sheriff Errol Toulon and New York State Senator Dean Murray, sounded the alarm recently on deadly impaired-driving related offenses.

The trio teamed up to release a series of public safety announcements spotlighting the dangers of dtunk and drugged driving, leaving the scene of a crash, and the legal and financial consequences of being arrested and charged with those crimes, Tierney said.

"We are more than halfway through this year’s ‘100 Deadliest Days of Driving.’ In Suffolk

County alone, there have been at least 20 fatalities since Memorial Day weekend, many of
which were caused by drunk or drugged drivers," Tierney said. "That is almost three lives lost per week, many of which were completely preventable, and despite the prevalence and convenience of ride-shares. These are not crimes that are confined to Long Island. Drunk and drugged drivers threaten the lives of random and innocent roadway users of every age, gender, ethnicity and economic status every single day throughout New York State."

He added that legislators in Albany must pass the "'Deadly Driving Bill,' to save countless lives and make our roadways safer across New York State."

In January, Tierney rallied with a bipartisan group of local and state officials, district attorneys, traffic safety advocates, and families and friends of those affected by drunk and drugged driving, and called on lawmakers to pass a bill that, he said, would close the loopholes in the drugged driving law.

Senate Bill S.3135 and Assembly Bill A.174, also known as the“Deadly Driving Bill”, closes the loopholes, Tierney said.

Current New York State law does not allow an individual to be arrested and prosecuted for operating a vehicle while drugged, unless the officer can pinpoint the drug that driver is impaired by, and that drug must be listed in Section 3306 of the public health law, Tierney said.

Marijuana is a concern, the three agree.

"When New York State rushed through legislation to legalize marijuana, it was done so in a way that left many questions unanswered. Who can legally sell it? Who can legally buy it, use it or consume it," Murray said. "Some of the biggest questions surround the use of marijuana while operating a motor vehicle. There is definitely a need to educate the public and I’m thrilled to team with Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney and Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol Toulon, Jr., to put these PSA’ out to the public to help with that education process."

Murray also thanked JVC Broadcasting, Inc.’s President and CEO John Caracciolo "for his willingness to immediately get these PSAs up and running on his multiple Long Island radio stations. Everyone working together can truly make a difference."

"Drunk and drugged driving continues to claim innocent lives on our roads," said Toulon. "Partnering with District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney and New York State Senator Dean Murray, we are committed to raising awareness and pushing for legislative changes to make our roadways safer. Remember, one decision to use a ride-share can prevent a tragedy and save lives.”

Caracciolo added: "We were happy to donate the airtime to make it possible."

All public safety announcements were recorded and can be found on the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office’s website. The PSAs will run on all JVC Broadcasting Stations: WPTY Party 105 FM, WRCN LI News Radio 103.9 FM, WJVC My Country 96.1 FM, WBON La Fiesta 98.5 FM, 96.9 FM, 1490 AM, 1580 AM, Big Hits 98.1 FM and Long Island Envivo 1440 AM and 93.3FM.