Senator Fuschillo Joins With Advocacy Groups And Law Enforcement In Reminding Long Islanders To Choose A Designated Driver
Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District) recently joined with Assemblyman David McDonough (19th Assembly District), Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli (16th Assembly District), the Nassau County Police Department, the Nassau County STOP-DWI program, and DEDICATEDD to remind Long Islanders about the dangers of drinking and driving.
"While tougher laws certainly have an impact on reducing drunk driving, the only way to truly prevent it is by making the choice not to get behind the wheel after drinking. Every Long Islander has the chance to save lives by choosing a designated driver. Don’t become a statistic: be safe, be smart and don’t drink and drive," said Senator Fuschillo, author of New York State’s ".08 Law" and sponsor of numerous anti-DWI measures.
"During the summer months, many of our members will have anniversaries of their crashes. These dates are times of tears, sadness, inescapable memories, and unanswerable questions. We hope that no one else will have to know the heartache of a summer crash anniversary," stated Marge Lee, President and Co-Founder of DEDICATEDD, a grassroots anti-DWI organization. "DEDICATEDD wishes everyone a safe and fun filled summer. Help make our wishes come true by choosing not to drink and drive. Please be kind to yourself and to others, do whatever it takes to prevent heartbreaking anniversaries that can easily be avoided. Please don't drink and drive."
Although progress has been made, drinking and driving remains a threat in Nassau County. According to Nassau STOP-DWI, there were over 4,100 arrests for DWI in Nassau County last year alone. In 2005, 25 people lost their lives on Nassau County roadways at the hands of a drunk driver.
These needless crashes not only cause immeasurable suffering for victims and their families, they also create huge financial costs for the public. According to Nassau STOP-DWI, each alcohol related injury costs in excess of $100,000 due to lost productivity and higher insurance and medical costs, as estimated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Taxpayer-funded sources, like Medicaid, pay in excess of 25% of the cost of these crashes and insurance companies, employers, and taxpayers all foot the bill.
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