Forwarding: Vision Zero: Mayor De Blasio Announces Stepped-Up Holiday Enforcement Against Drunk and Drugged Driving

Vision Zero: Mayor De Blasio Announces Stepped-Up Holiday Enforcement Against Drunk and Drugged Driving 
NYPD to launch citywide enforcement campaign over July 4^th weekend; DOT to begin major social media-awareness effort

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio today joined NYPD Chief of Transportation Kim Royster, NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Hank Gutman, and Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) Commissioner Aloysee Heredia Jarmoczuk to announce major Vision Zero enforcement and education action against impaired driving for the upcoming 4^th of July weekend.

“Every holiday weekend brings dangerous driving, and we know what works best: education and targeted enforcement,” said Mayor de Blasio. “If you’re under the influence this holiday weekend, hail a ride home. There’s no excuse to drive under the influence, and NYPD will be out in force to keep New Yorkers safe on the streets.”

“From DOT’s educational campaign, to TLC’s thousands of licensed drivers, New York City offers more ways than ever to know the risks of driving under the influence – and choose a safer way to get home instead,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Laura Anglin. “Our enforcement efforts will keep New Yorkers safe and hold dangerous drivers accountable this holiday weekend.”

“As is true each year, all facets of the NYPD will be working in unison with our government partners this holiday weekend to ensure that everyone who walks, bikes, drives and travels in New York City can enjoy a safe 4th of July,” said NYPD Chief of Transportation Kim Royster. “Our highway and patrol units are adding extra layers of enforcement, across all five boroughs. We’re raising awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and other poor choices. We’re asking all New Yorkers to share in the responsibility of keeping our roads and highways safe. Only by working together can we maintain one another’s well-being as we celebrate the joy of our nation’s Independence Day.”

“As fatal crashes have risen this year, the City has mobilized all relevant agencies to fight the nationwide pandemic of reckless driving — including in particular driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” said DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman. “As New Yorkers enjoy the holiday weekend, we will work with the NYPD and our other partners to make sure they do so safely, protecting the lives of all those with whom they share our streets.”

"As New York celebrates Fourth of July, it is critical to keep streets safe. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs," said TLC Commissioner Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk. "New York City has the best professional licensed drivers in the world that can ensure safe transportation throughout the holiday celebrations."

NYPD Holiday Enforcement: As increased incidents of impaired-driving related traffic fatalities occur around seasonal holidays, the NYPD will focus on identifying and arresting impaired drivers during the entire Independence Day weekend and beyond. The NYPD’s anti-DWI/drugged driving efforts this season will be citywide and will take place with significant focus in every precinct. NYPD will deploy specialized officers trained to specifically detect and take action against impaired, dangerous drivers.

Vision Zero Messaging: DOT continues its anti-DWI messaging throughout the year on social media channels, with a heavy focus on peak times and holiday weekends. The agency also works with NYPD throughout the year to distribute anti-DWI literature such as The Choice is Simple campaign handouts. This summer, DOT and NYPD will introduce a new campaign on the impacts of other substances on driving.

Taxi and For-Hire Options: New Yorkers can choose from a range of TLC-Licensed services to get home safely during the holiday weekend. Over 170,000 drivers are licensed by the TLC to serve the riding public, and these transportation professionals work across sectors that include Yellow Taxis, Green Taxis, Black Cars, and Livery Cars. Passengers can street hail or use apps to ride taxis, and they can connect with more than 850 For-Hire Bases by calling a car service or tapping an app.

“As we celebrate our nation’s independence, as well as our emergence from the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic, I know many New Yorkers are looking forward to getting out this weekend and enjoying the festivities, the simple pleasures of gathering in person with family and friends, and the return of spectacular fireworks over the East River,” said State Senator Brian Kavanagh. “While we certainly have much to celebrate this July 4th, I urge everyone to celebrate safely and especially to refrain from driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. I applaud the Mayor, the NYC Department of Transportation, and the NYPD for their efforts to curb impaired driving and for their ongoing commitment to public safety via the Vision Zero initiative. We all must do our part to keep New York safe.”

“With the July 4th weekend approaching, I encourage all New Yorkers who drive to make wise decisions to ensure a safe holiday,” said Council Member Adrienne Adams, Chair of the City Council’s Public Safety Committee. “I thank Mayor de Blasio, the Department of Transportation, and NYPD for stepping up enforcement and spreading the crucial message about the importance of safety for all New Yorkers.”

“As we celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, New Yorkers must remember to be responsible drivers. I’ll be working closely with DOT Commissioner Gutman, the NYPD, and multiple City agencies to ensure we’re keeping everyone safe this holiday weekend,” said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Chairman of the Transportation Committee. “Drivers who decide to ignore the law will face severe consequences for putting other New Yorkers at risk. Let’s celebrate the Fourth safely and responsibly.”

About Vision Zero

Vision Zero is the de Blasio administration’s initiative to use every tool at its disposal, employing various City agencies focusing on education, enforcement and engineering, with the goal to end traffic deaths and injuries on New York City streets. Since the program’s inaugural year in 2014, when New York City became the first American city to adopt Vision Zero, the City’s traffic fatalities have largely declined — bucking national fatality trends, which have increased over the same period.

In keeping with Mayor de Blasio's State of the City commitments, DOT is working to create a Bike Boulevard in each borough in 2021 and has already presented designs to community boards in the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. Under the "Red Carpet to Recovery" initiative, DOT will install a record-breaking series of dedicated bus priority projects this year, along with 30 miles of protected bike lanes. That includes the new two-way bike lane now being installed on the Brooklyn Bridge, which will open in the fall.

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