Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, District Attorney Kathleen Rice and Acting Nassau County Police Department Commissioner Thomas Krumpter announced today (June 23rd) the results of Operation IMPACT and the Criminal Intelligence Rapid Response Teams (CIRRT) initiative. Over a two month time period, law enforcement agencies throughout Nassau County utilized Operation IMPACT and forfeiture funds to conduct a Gun Buy Back Program, a week long warrant sweep and a DNA collection that resulted in 87 guns, 100 warrant arrests and 125 DNA samples in addition to arrest of 201 individuals, the generation of 164 case reports, the issuance of 547 tickets, the issuance of 106 appearance tickets, 388 field interviews and three gun arrests.
“Utilizing both state grant funds and asset forfeiture funds our officers have made one of the safest counties in the nation even safer,” said County Executive Mangano. “Using intelligence led policing in conjunction with partnerships among our law enforcement agencies we can and have made a tremendous difference in the quality of life enjoyed by our residents.”
“The streets of Nassau County are safer today because our law enforcement agencies are committed to not just being tough on crime, but smart on crime as well,” said District Attorney Kathleen Rice. “By getting guns out of our neighborhoods, collecting more DNA samples, and arresting dangerous criminals, we are taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of every community.”
Operation IMPACT is an intelligence-led enforcement initiative aimed at combatting gangs, guns and violence. This is the 7th year that Nassau County has participated in the program. Funding for these initiatives were supplied by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services under Operation IMPACT and when needed Nassau County Police Department asset forfeiture funds were utilized. Operation IMPACT supports strategic crime-fighting and violence reduction initiatives in the 17 counties outside of New York City that account for 80 percent of the crime upstate and on Long Island. Key principles of Operation IMPACT include information sharing and partnerships among law enforcement agencies, intelligence-based policing, timely use of accurate crime data and involvement of community organizations.
"Through the effective utilization of IMPACT grant funding and asset forfeiture funds, and with the assistance of our law enforcement partners, the Department continues to drive serious crime to its lowest level in decades,” said Acting Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter. “Initiatives such as CIRRT leverage our adoption of an Intelligence Led Policing philosophy. The results of our latest collaboration with other law enforcement agencies are illustrative of the benefits of continuing to further such relationships. The membership of this Department and our partners have once again served the residents of Nassau well in our endeavors to keep our citizens safe.”
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Mangano Announces 2011 Nassau County Executive Cup
Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano announced today that on July 23, 2011 Nassau will be hosting the County’s top high school and adult soccer players to participate in the First Annual Nassau County Executive Cup, which will be held at Mitchel Athletic Complex.
The finest high school boys’ soccer players from around Nassau County will showcase their talents in front of college coaches from the tri-state area. This event will provide high school athletes the opportunity to compete with the best in the county.
This night is essentially a showcase of the stars. Beginning at 4:45 p.m., 40 Nassau County High School athletes will be competing in the College Showcase Event. These 40 athletes have endured 3 rigorous tryouts that attracted 162 athletes, to be named one of Nassau County Executive Cup participants.
“Nassau County has some tremendous athletes,” said County Executive Mangano. “I am very proud of these young competitors as they are a true representation of the wonderful athletic programs Nassau County enjoys today. These young stars will have the opportunity to showcase their abilities in front of a myriad of college coaches invited from all over the tri-state area, as they continue their pursuit of playing soccer at the collegiate level.”
Following the high school showcase, Long Island’s own professional soccer club, The Long Island Rough Riders will play a match against the 2011ENYSSA Manning Cup Champions, The Mineola Portuguese Soccer Club. The Mineola Portuguese Soccer Club was the 2009 & 2010 Long Island Football League Champions as well as a 2009 Eastern New York State Cup finalist. The Long Island Rough Riders were victorious in the 1995 & 2002 United Soccer League Championship. These two powerhouses will square off at 7:15 p.m., during which the fans and young stars will get an opportunity to view our current stars play for the Executive Cup’s Trophy. These established men are tremendous soccer players, and will provide an entertaining atmosphere for people of all ages.
With over 3.5 billion fans and thousands of professional clubs spanning the globe, soccer reigns supreme as the world’s most popular sport. While other sports may seem more popular in the US, no other game rivals the excitement, patronage, and competitive spirit that soccer fans enjoy.
“Due to soccer’s close relationship with our beloved Nassau County, I am proud to announce that we will be holding the 1st annual Executive Cup Showcase on Saturday, July 23rd, displaying the absolute best soccer talent in Nassau County! This free event will be held at the Mitchel Athletic Complex (Stadium Turf Field), with gates opening at 3:30 p.m.,” said Mangano.
The 1st Annual Nassau County Executive Cup is organized and executed by and GO Sports, university placement specialists for student-athletes. For more information, please visit www.andGOSports.com. We ask for your support and assistance in making this event a success today and in future years to come.
The 49-acre Mitchel Athletic Complex centrally located just west of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, hosts a variety of local high school and collegiate athletic events, as well as local sports leagues annually. The facility includes a track and field stadium (nine lanes) with an oval containing a synthetic field suitable for football, soccer and lacrosse.
The finest high school boys’ soccer players from around Nassau County will showcase their talents in front of college coaches from the tri-state area. This event will provide high school athletes the opportunity to compete with the best in the county.
This night is essentially a showcase of the stars. Beginning at 4:45 p.m., 40 Nassau County High School athletes will be competing in the College Showcase Event. These 40 athletes have endured 3 rigorous tryouts that attracted 162 athletes, to be named one of Nassau County Executive Cup participants.
“Nassau County has some tremendous athletes,” said County Executive Mangano. “I am very proud of these young competitors as they are a true representation of the wonderful athletic programs Nassau County enjoys today. These young stars will have the opportunity to showcase their abilities in front of a myriad of college coaches invited from all over the tri-state area, as they continue their pursuit of playing soccer at the collegiate level.”
Following the high school showcase, Long Island’s own professional soccer club, The Long Island Rough Riders will play a match against the 2011ENYSSA Manning Cup Champions, The Mineola Portuguese Soccer Club. The Mineola Portuguese Soccer Club was the 2009 & 2010 Long Island Football League Champions as well as a 2009 Eastern New York State Cup finalist. The Long Island Rough Riders were victorious in the 1995 & 2002 United Soccer League Championship. These two powerhouses will square off at 7:15 p.m., during which the fans and young stars will get an opportunity to view our current stars play for the Executive Cup’s Trophy. These established men are tremendous soccer players, and will provide an entertaining atmosphere for people of all ages.
With over 3.5 billion fans and thousands of professional clubs spanning the globe, soccer reigns supreme as the world’s most popular sport. While other sports may seem more popular in the US, no other game rivals the excitement, patronage, and competitive spirit that soccer fans enjoy.
“Due to soccer’s close relationship with our beloved Nassau County, I am proud to announce that we will be holding the 1st annual Executive Cup Showcase on Saturday, July 23rd, displaying the absolute best soccer talent in Nassau County! This free event will be held at the Mitchel Athletic Complex (Stadium Turf Field), with gates opening at 3:30 p.m.,” said Mangano.
The 1st Annual Nassau County Executive Cup is organized and executed by and GO Sports, university placement specialists for student-athletes. For more information, please visit www.andGOSports.com. We ask for your support and assistance in making this event a success today and in future years to come.
The 49-acre Mitchel Athletic Complex centrally located just west of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, hosts a variety of local high school and collegiate athletic events, as well as local sports leagues annually. The facility includes a track and field stadium (nine lanes) with an oval containing a synthetic field suitable for football, soccer and lacrosse.
Know the Signs
Summer is here and along with it comes hot and humid conditions. Rising temperatures, and upcoming heat waves can create a dangerous environment for the residents and visitors of Nassau County. In an effort to help prevent heat related medical conditions, we have put together some tips to keep Nassau residents aware of the signs and symptoms of heat related medical conditions such as dehydration, heatstroke, and heat exhaustion. In addition, we have also listed some tips on how to prevent heat stroke and dehydration and how to treat heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
We would like to remind residents to dial 911 at the first sign of a medical emergency,” “In addition, we'd also ask that residents check on their family, friends and neighbors, especially if they are senior citizens.”
Signs & Symptoms:
Heat Exhaustion
· Severe thirst
· Fatigue
· Muscle cramps
· Aches
· Muscle weakness
· Nausea and/or vomiting
· Fast, shallow breathing
· Irritability
· Headache
· Increased sweating
· Cool, clammy skin
· Elevation of body temperature to 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
Heat Stroke
· Severe throbbing headache
· Dizziness
· Disorientation, agitation or confusion
· Sluggishness or fatigue
· Seizure
· Hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty
· A high body temperature
· Loss of consciousness
· Rapid heart beat
· Hallucinations
Dehydration
· Thirst
· Less-frequent urination
· Dry skin
· Fatigue
· Light-headedness
· Dizziness
· Confusion
· Dry mouth and mucous membranes
· Increased heart rate and breathing
In children, additional symptoms may include dry mouth and tongue; no tears when crying; no wet diapers for more than 3 hours; sunken abdomen, eyes or cheeks; high fever; listlessness; irritability; skin that does not flatten when pinched and released.
How Heatstroke Can Be Prevented·
Drink plenty of fluids during outdoor activities; water and sports drinks are preferred; tea, coffee, soda and alcohol should be avoided
· Wear lightweight, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing in light colors
· Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day
· Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses and using an umbrella
· Increase time spent outdoors gradually get your body used to the heat
· During outdoor activities, take frequent drink breaks and mist yourself with a spray bottle to avoid becoming overheated
· Try to spend as much time indoors as possible on very hot humid days
How dehydration Can Be Prevented
· Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working or playing in the sun
· Make sure you are taking in more fluid than you are losing
· Drink appropriate sports drinks to help maintain electrolyte balance
· Infants and children should be given Pedialyte to maintain their electrolyte balance
How to treat Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion
· Bring the person indoors, or into the shade immediately
· Remove their clothing, and gently apply cool water to the skin followed by fanning to stimulate sweating
· Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits
· Have the person lie down in a cool area with their feet slightly elevated
We would like to remind residents to dial 911 at the first sign of a medical emergency,” “In addition, we'd also ask that residents check on their family, friends and neighbors, especially if they are senior citizens.”
Signs & Symptoms:
Heat Exhaustion
· Severe thirst
· Fatigue
· Muscle cramps
· Aches
· Muscle weakness
· Nausea and/or vomiting
· Fast, shallow breathing
· Irritability
· Headache
· Increased sweating
· Cool, clammy skin
· Elevation of body temperature to 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
Heat Stroke
· Severe throbbing headache
· Dizziness
· Disorientation, agitation or confusion
· Sluggishness or fatigue
· Seizure
· Hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty
· A high body temperature
· Loss of consciousness
· Rapid heart beat
· Hallucinations
Dehydration
· Thirst
· Less-frequent urination
· Dry skin
· Fatigue
· Light-headedness
· Dizziness
· Confusion
· Dry mouth and mucous membranes
· Increased heart rate and breathing
In children, additional symptoms may include dry mouth and tongue; no tears when crying; no wet diapers for more than 3 hours; sunken abdomen, eyes or cheeks; high fever; listlessness; irritability; skin that does not flatten when pinched and released.
How Heatstroke Can Be Prevented·
Drink plenty of fluids during outdoor activities; water and sports drinks are preferred; tea, coffee, soda and alcohol should be avoided
· Wear lightweight, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing in light colors
· Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day
· Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses and using an umbrella
· Increase time spent outdoors gradually get your body used to the heat
· During outdoor activities, take frequent drink breaks and mist yourself with a spray bottle to avoid becoming overheated
· Try to spend as much time indoors as possible on very hot humid days
How dehydration Can Be Prevented
· Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working or playing in the sun
· Make sure you are taking in more fluid than you are losing
· Drink appropriate sports drinks to help maintain electrolyte balance
· Infants and children should be given Pedialyte to maintain their electrolyte balance
How to treat Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion
· Bring the person indoors, or into the shade immediately
· Remove their clothing, and gently apply cool water to the skin followed by fanning to stimulate sweating
· Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits
· Have the person lie down in a cool area with their feet slightly elevated
Bullying Hotline
In an effort to end cyber-bullying on Long Island, Verizon and Senator Kemp Hannon are partnering with Children Abuse Prevention Services (CAPS), Long Island's leading non-profit dedicated to the prevention of bullying, child abuse and the promotion of Internet safety.
Verizon Director of Government and External Affairs Patrick A. Lespinasse recently visited CAPS to present Executive Director Alane Fagin with funding to assist the organization’s Internet safety initiatives, including the new Bullying Prevention Center. “As a leader in building technologies that deliver Long Islanders a rich array of new digital experiences, Verizon feels a strong responsibility to help ensure a safer Internet,” Lespinasse said. “Our partnership with CAPS has resulted in increased awareness and education for parents and children around staying safe and behaving responsibly online.”
The Center works to combat bullying, cyber-bullying and harassment through educational empowerment, dynamic prevention programs and innovative intervention solutions and services. “When parents discover their child is involved in a bullying situation, many may feel at a loss as to how to protect them, or assume the problem will go away on its own,” said Fagin. “But without appropriate intervention, bullying can interfere with a child’s ability to learn and can cause serious social and emotional problems,” Fagin continued.
Until the CAPS Bully Prevention Center opened this fall, Long Island parents had no single source to turn to for help. Now parents have access to a free “Bully Helpline” by calling 516-621-0552 x109 or e-mailing bullyhelpline@capsli.org to speak with an expert. CAP’s service is unique in that it is the first to offer direct support and resources toward resolving bullying and cyber-bullying situations among school-age kids, and creating safer learning environments in Long Island elementary, middle and high schools.
Verizon Director of Government and External Affairs Patrick A. Lespinasse recently visited CAPS to present Executive Director Alane Fagin with funding to assist the organization’s Internet safety initiatives, including the new Bullying Prevention Center. “As a leader in building technologies that deliver Long Islanders a rich array of new digital experiences, Verizon feels a strong responsibility to help ensure a safer Internet,” Lespinasse said. “Our partnership with CAPS has resulted in increased awareness and education for parents and children around staying safe and behaving responsibly online.”
The Center works to combat bullying, cyber-bullying and harassment through educational empowerment, dynamic prevention programs and innovative intervention solutions and services. “When parents discover their child is involved in a bullying situation, many may feel at a loss as to how to protect them, or assume the problem will go away on its own,” said Fagin. “But without appropriate intervention, bullying can interfere with a child’s ability to learn and can cause serious social and emotional problems,” Fagin continued.
Until the CAPS Bully Prevention Center opened this fall, Long Island parents had no single source to turn to for help. Now parents have access to a free “Bully Helpline” by calling 516-621-0552 x109 or e-mailing bullyhelpline@capsli.org to speak with an expert. CAP’s service is unique in that it is the first to offer direct support and resources toward resolving bullying and cyber-bullying situations among school-age kids, and creating safer learning environments in Long Island elementary, middle and high schools.
POP Officers Reassigned
As you might have read in this weeks Newsday, all POP Units of the Nassau County Police Department have been severely cut. Officers have been reassigned to other positions in the Department.
It has been a humbling experience to have worked with the Officers of the 5th Precinct POP Unit. POP stands for Problem Oriented Policing. The 5th Precinct POP Unit consisted of 4 officers and one supervisor who handle quality of life issues and work very closely with the schools and community. The Unit is now down to one officer and one Supervisor.
I didn’t realize the scope of their jobs until I began working with them to produce this Blog as a tool to increase communication with the schools and community.
Our POP Unit Officers care for the students they encounter. As parents themselves they bring a genuine concern for the youth of our area.
Our officers have direct contact with the Superintendent’s and Principal’s of each school, in each School District, often exchanging cell phone numbers to be available on a minutes notice. When any need would arise for a student to be helped, these officers are known to diffuse the situation with a personal response to help the student and advisor for the best possible outcome.
Our officers attend many community meetings and sometimes became members of our local community organizations themselves such as Sgt. Grimm who is a Board Member of the Gateway Youth Outreach. He helped to start a program to help children everyday afterschool to study, tutor and help with homework. Other officers have joined the Valley Stream Youth Council and Envision Valley Stream a grassroots effort started by young adults living in Valley Stream. Helping to keep us informed of local Police Activity, officers also provided a voice for our concerns reporting it back to the precinct commander for further evaluation.
They lecture and educate our students and PTA’s. Speak at Civic Meetings, to local business and church groups.
Our officers present Scouting Awards to the local youth whose hard work and efforts have earned them the Highest Awards in Scouting the Girl Scout Gold Award and Boy Scout Eagle Award. They encourage the scouts to be a vital part of the fabric of our community.
Our Officers provide Prom Enforcement ensuring all limo drivers have and enforce a no alcohol or drug policy in their vehicles.
Our Fifth Precinct POP Unit also leads a NCPD Explorers Group. Exploring is an education and experience based program designed to help young people develop into mature, caring and responsible adults. With the guidance of the POP Advisors, area youth are mentored in life skills and are given the opportunity to participate in numerous law enforcement experiences and training sessions. The explorers are routinely involved in competitions that take place at venues throughout the country and that test their skills against other Law Enforcement Explorers. Local competitions are held with such groups as the New York City’s Explorers and US Customs.
Exploring helps foster positive relationships among the Police Department, its officers and local youth. It builds an avenue for public/ private partnerships that provides a means to support our mission to protect and serve. As individuals, the youth involved give back to their community by completing hundreds of hours of community service each year. They become role models for their peers and friends and serve as catalysts for positive police relations in our communities.
In this ever-competitive world in which our children find it increasingly difficult to gain acceptance to the college or university of their choice, having the experience of Exploring on their resumes may very well be the unique qualification to help them gain entrance into their college of choice.
Our Officers work closely with the Social Service Department, visiting the homeless and making sure they are cared for by providing a place to go, food or money sometimes out of their own pocket.
Our Officers run Project 21 which visits local establishments who sell alcohol and tobacco and make sure they are not selling to any one under 21. Our officers have established relationships with Consumer Affairs Department, Town of Hempstead Building Dept., Valley Stream Code Enforcement, Probation and Parole Dept., to help clean up establishments that are selling cigerettes or alcohol to minors or known drug houses.
Our officers work with NCPD Crossing Guards to oversee the creation of future crossings and provide back up for Guards who need their support.
They are a fine group of officers whose passion, courage and dedication has served our community in so many ways for many years. I truly wish them all well. Their service to Nassau County Fifth Precinct is priceless.
It has been a humbling experience to have worked with the Officers of the 5th Precinct POP Unit. POP stands for Problem Oriented Policing. The 5th Precinct POP Unit consisted of 4 officers and one supervisor who handle quality of life issues and work very closely with the schools and community. The Unit is now down to one officer and one Supervisor.
I didn’t realize the scope of their jobs until I began working with them to produce this Blog as a tool to increase communication with the schools and community.
Our POP Unit Officers care for the students they encounter. As parents themselves they bring a genuine concern for the youth of our area.
Our officers have direct contact with the Superintendent’s and Principal’s of each school, in each School District, often exchanging cell phone numbers to be available on a minutes notice. When any need would arise for a student to be helped, these officers are known to diffuse the situation with a personal response to help the student and advisor for the best possible outcome.
Our officers attend many community meetings and sometimes became members of our local community organizations themselves such as Sgt. Grimm who is a Board Member of the Gateway Youth Outreach. He helped to start a program to help children everyday afterschool to study, tutor and help with homework. Other officers have joined the Valley Stream Youth Council and Envision Valley Stream a grassroots effort started by young adults living in Valley Stream. Helping to keep us informed of local Police Activity, officers also provided a voice for our concerns reporting it back to the precinct commander for further evaluation.
They lecture and educate our students and PTA’s. Speak at Civic Meetings, to local business and church groups.
Our officers present Scouting Awards to the local youth whose hard work and efforts have earned them the Highest Awards in Scouting the Girl Scout Gold Award and Boy Scout Eagle Award. They encourage the scouts to be a vital part of the fabric of our community.
Our Officers provide Prom Enforcement ensuring all limo drivers have and enforce a no alcohol or drug policy in their vehicles.
Our Fifth Precinct POP Unit also leads a NCPD Explorers Group. Exploring is an education and experience based program designed to help young people develop into mature, caring and responsible adults. With the guidance of the POP Advisors, area youth are mentored in life skills and are given the opportunity to participate in numerous law enforcement experiences and training sessions. The explorers are routinely involved in competitions that take place at venues throughout the country and that test their skills against other Law Enforcement Explorers. Local competitions are held with such groups as the New York City’s Explorers and US Customs.
Exploring helps foster positive relationships among the Police Department, its officers and local youth. It builds an avenue for public/ private partnerships that provides a means to support our mission to protect and serve. As individuals, the youth involved give back to their community by completing hundreds of hours of community service each year. They become role models for their peers and friends and serve as catalysts for positive police relations in our communities.
In this ever-competitive world in which our children find it increasingly difficult to gain acceptance to the college or university of their choice, having the experience of Exploring on their resumes may very well be the unique qualification to help them gain entrance into their college of choice.
Our Officers work closely with the Social Service Department, visiting the homeless and making sure they are cared for by providing a place to go, food or money sometimes out of their own pocket.
Our Officers run Project 21 which visits local establishments who sell alcohol and tobacco and make sure they are not selling to any one under 21. Our officers have established relationships with Consumer Affairs Department, Town of Hempstead Building Dept., Valley Stream Code Enforcement, Probation and Parole Dept., to help clean up establishments that are selling cigerettes or alcohol to minors or known drug houses.
Our officers work with NCPD Crossing Guards to oversee the creation of future crossings and provide back up for Guards who need their support.
They are a fine group of officers whose passion, courage and dedication has served our community in so many ways for many years. I truly wish them all well. Their service to Nassau County Fifth Precinct is priceless.
Governor Cuomo Signs Law Strengthening Enforcement Against Drivers Caught Using Handheld Electronic Devices
New Legislation Makes Using Handheld Electronic Devices while Driving a Primary Traffic Offense; Additional Regulation will Increase Penalty from 2 Points to 3 Points for Cell Phone and Electronic Device Usage While Driving
Albany, NY (July 12, 2011)
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed a new law that strengthens the enforcement against drivers who use handheld electronic devices for activities such as texting while a vehicle is in motion. The legislation makes this action a primary traffic offense, giving law enforcement the power to stop drivers solely for engaging in this activity.
The Governor also announced today that he will increase the penalty for using a cellular phone without a hands-free device or a handheld device while driving from two to three points through changes in state regulations.
"I am proud to sign this bill today, both as the Governor and as a father of three teenagers," Governor Cuomo said. "It's plain and simple: distracted driving leads to tragedies that have affected families all across New York. This new law will help ensure that drivers keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. I thank Senator Marcellino and Assemblyman Weisenberg for their hard work on this legislation."
Before this law, it was illegal for drivers to use handheld electronic devices while their vehicle was in motion, but it was a secondary traffic offense -- meaning a driver had to be stopped for another violation in order to receive a ticket.
The new law makes it a primary traffic offense and it will go into effect immediately. The monetary penalty for a violation of this law continues to be a fine of up to $150.
Illegal activity includes holding an electronic device and:
Composing, sending, reading, accessing, browsing, transmitting, saving, or retrieving electronic data such as e-mail, text messages, or webpages
Viewing, taking, or transmitting images
Playing games
The law does not penalize drivers using a handheld electronic device that is affixed to a surface or using a GPS device that is attached to the vehicle. The law also exempts police officers, fire fighters, or emergency vehicle drivers while they are performing their duties. In addition, a driver is exempt from the law if the driver is communicating or attempting to communicate with law enforcement, the fire department, or medical personnel during an emergency situation.
New York State Senator Carl L. Marcellino said, "With this new legislation, New York State driving laws have finally caught up with today's technology. Our new law will strengthen enforcement against drivers using handheld electronic devices and help keep drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe. I am proud to stand with Governor Cuomo as he signs the bill I sponsored into law and we finally make distracted driving a serious offense."
New York State Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg said, "As a former police officer, I've seen the devastation caused by distracted drivers. Today, we are giving law enforcement the tools they need to keep our roads safe and prevent future accidents. These changes will save lives. I'd like to thank Governor Cuomo for supporting this law and I look forward to our continued work together."
New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D'Amico said, "Motorists should now realize the dangers of operating a motor vehicle while texting on mobile devices or talking on a cell phone without an approved hands-free device. This change in the statute will allow law enforcement to continue the battle against distracted driving. Distracted driving is dangerous driving and drivers must reduce diversion and behaviors that take their attention from the road. Attentive, responsible, defensive driving is the key to avoiding crashes and keeping our highways safe."
New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said, "It's no secret that violations of the no-texting and no use of hand held devices while driving rules are widespread despite their nexus to accidents, including fatalities. This legislation is a welcome step toward saving lives."
President of AAA New York State Thomas Hoy said, "With nearly 2 trillion text messages sent last year, texting represents the most dangerous form of distracted driving. We applaud the Governor and lawmakers for stiffening the consequences for those who jeopardize the rest of us with their careless conduct."
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 16% of fatal accidents in 2009 were due to distracted driving and 20% of people injured during a crash were involved in a crash where distracted driving was reported. A study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that truck drivers who were texting were 23 times more at risk of a crash or near crash.
Albany, NY (July 12, 2011)
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed a new law that strengthens the enforcement against drivers who use handheld electronic devices for activities such as texting while a vehicle is in motion. The legislation makes this action a primary traffic offense, giving law enforcement the power to stop drivers solely for engaging in this activity.
The Governor also announced today that he will increase the penalty for using a cellular phone without a hands-free device or a handheld device while driving from two to three points through changes in state regulations.
"I am proud to sign this bill today, both as the Governor and as a father of three teenagers," Governor Cuomo said. "It's plain and simple: distracted driving leads to tragedies that have affected families all across New York. This new law will help ensure that drivers keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. I thank Senator Marcellino and Assemblyman Weisenberg for their hard work on this legislation."
Before this law, it was illegal for drivers to use handheld electronic devices while their vehicle was in motion, but it was a secondary traffic offense -- meaning a driver had to be stopped for another violation in order to receive a ticket.
The new law makes it a primary traffic offense and it will go into effect immediately. The monetary penalty for a violation of this law continues to be a fine of up to $150.
Illegal activity includes holding an electronic device and:
Composing, sending, reading, accessing, browsing, transmitting, saving, or retrieving electronic data such as e-mail, text messages, or webpages
Viewing, taking, or transmitting images
Playing games
The law does not penalize drivers using a handheld electronic device that is affixed to a surface or using a GPS device that is attached to the vehicle. The law also exempts police officers, fire fighters, or emergency vehicle drivers while they are performing their duties. In addition, a driver is exempt from the law if the driver is communicating or attempting to communicate with law enforcement, the fire department, or medical personnel during an emergency situation.
New York State Senator Carl L. Marcellino said, "With this new legislation, New York State driving laws have finally caught up with today's technology. Our new law will strengthen enforcement against drivers using handheld electronic devices and help keep drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe. I am proud to stand with Governor Cuomo as he signs the bill I sponsored into law and we finally make distracted driving a serious offense."
New York State Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg said, "As a former police officer, I've seen the devastation caused by distracted drivers. Today, we are giving law enforcement the tools they need to keep our roads safe and prevent future accidents. These changes will save lives. I'd like to thank Governor Cuomo for supporting this law and I look forward to our continued work together."
New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D'Amico said, "Motorists should now realize the dangers of operating a motor vehicle while texting on mobile devices or talking on a cell phone without an approved hands-free device. This change in the statute will allow law enforcement to continue the battle against distracted driving. Distracted driving is dangerous driving and drivers must reduce diversion and behaviors that take their attention from the road. Attentive, responsible, defensive driving is the key to avoiding crashes and keeping our highways safe."
New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said, "It's no secret that violations of the no-texting and no use of hand held devices while driving rules are widespread despite their nexus to accidents, including fatalities. This legislation is a welcome step toward saving lives."
President of AAA New York State Thomas Hoy said, "With nearly 2 trillion text messages sent last year, texting represents the most dangerous form of distracted driving. We applaud the Governor and lawmakers for stiffening the consequences for those who jeopardize the rest of us with their careless conduct."
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 16% of fatal accidents in 2009 were due to distracted driving and 20% of people injured during a crash were involved in a crash where distracted driving was reported. A study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that truck drivers who were texting were 23 times more at risk of a crash or near crash.
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