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.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Envision Valley Stream
We have a lot to talk about this month. We hope to see you at our next meeting on Wednesday, June 29th at 7:30pm in the Field House at Firemen's Field (intersection of Albermarle Avenue and E. Fenimore Street).
We will be having a guest speaker from that Nassau County Planning Commission who will speak about the 2010 Draft Nassau County Master Plan. Our speaker will specifically address how Valley Stream fits into the plan and what recommendations are being made for our community. You can view a copy of the 2010 Draft Master Plan at this link. This is a rare opportunity to get to ask questions of someone from the Planning Commission.
Last but not least, please contact Envision Valley Stream if you are interested in purchasing a produce or meat share from Smyler's Farm. EVS is organizing a Valley Stream Community Supported Agriculture in which shareholders would receive organic and local produce and or meat once a week for the duration of the subscribed season. Time is running out so please contact us as soon as possible if you are interested in purchasing a half share or full share. You can take a look at your options, prices, and find example shares on their website: http://www.smylersfarm.com/options.html. We need 25 shares in order to make this work. Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
David Sabatino
Founder
Envision Valley Stream
Phone: 516-792-1246
Web Site: www.EnvisionValleyStream.org
Facebook Page: Envision Valley Stream
We will be having a guest speaker from that Nassau County Planning Commission who will speak about the 2010 Draft Nassau County Master Plan. Our speaker will specifically address how Valley Stream fits into the plan and what recommendations are being made for our community. You can view a copy of the 2010 Draft Master Plan at this link. This is a rare opportunity to get to ask questions of someone from the Planning Commission.
Last but not least, please contact Envision Valley Stream if you are interested in purchasing a produce or meat share from Smyler's Farm. EVS is organizing a Valley Stream Community Supported Agriculture in which shareholders would receive organic and local produce and or meat once a week for the duration of the subscribed season. Time is running out so please contact us as soon as possible if you are interested in purchasing a half share or full share. You can take a look at your options, prices, and find example shares on their website: http://www.smylersfarm.com/options.html. We need 25 shares in order to make this work. Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
David Sabatino
Founder
Envision Valley Stream
Phone: 516-792-1246
Web Site: www.EnvisionValleyStream.org
Facebook Page: Envision Valley Stream
Friday, June 3, 2011
Water Safety
Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Acting Police Commissioner Thomas C. Krumpter would like to remind county residents that water safety is something that all parents should be aware of. Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury related death among children ages 1 - 14. It can happen very quickly and in less than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) of water, so filled bathtubs, swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs, and even buckets of water and sinks can be dangerous.
To reduce your child's risk of drowning:
Home
Never leave a small child unattended in the bath. If you must answer the telephone or door, don't rely on an older sibling to watch the child, bring the younger child with you.
Never leave a small child unattended near a bucket filled with any amount of water or other liquid.
Never use a bathtub seat with suction cups. The seat can overturn and flip a baby headfirst into the water.
Install a toilet-lid locking device or keep bathroom doors closed at all times. (Or you may want to install a doorknob cover.)
Pool
Never leave your children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment. An adult who knows CPR should actively supervise children at all times.
Practice ‘touch supervision’ with children younger than 5 years. This means that the adult is within an arm's length of the child at all times.
If you are planning a pool party, consider hiring a certified lifeguard to supervise those who will be in the pool.
Put up a fence to separate your house from the pool. Most young children who drown in pools wander out of the house and fall into the pool. Install a fence at least 4 feet high around the pool. This fence will completely separate the pool from the house and play area of the yard. Use gates that self-close and self-latch, with latches higher than your children's reach.
Keep rescue equipment (such as a shepherd's hook or life preserver) and a telephone by the pool.
Do not use air-filled "swimming aids" as a substitute for approved life vests.
Remove all toys from the pool after use so children aren't tempted to reach for them.
After the children are done swimming, secure the pool so they can't get back into it.
A power safety cover that meets the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) may add to the protection of your children but should not be used in place of the fence between your house and the pool. Even fencing around your pool and using a power safety cover will not prevent all drowning.
Drain Entrapment occurs when part of a child’s body becomes attached to a drain because of the powerful suction of a pool or hot tub filtration system. The powerful suction can trap a child underwater or cause internal injuries. It can also occur when a child’s hair, swimsuit or jewelry becomes entangled in the drain. In 2007, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act made it illegal to manufacture, distribute or sell drain covers that do not adhere to the standards for anti-entrapment safety set by the Consumer Product and Safety Commission.
Warn your children about the dangers of drain entrapment, and teach them never to play near a pool drain, with or without a cover.
Pin up long hair when in the water and remove loose parts of swimsuits and loose jewelry that can get ensnared.
Equip pools and hot tubs with an anti-entrapment drain cover and an approved safety vacuum release system and regularly check that drain covers are secure and have no cracks. Flat drain covers can be replaced with dome-shaped ones.
Be aware of public wading pools with missing or broken drain covers. Small children have direct access to the bottom drain in wading pools and sitting on open drains can cause serious internal organ damage.
Remember, teaching your child how to swim DOES NOT mean your child is safe in water. Most young children who drown in swimming pools were last seen in the home, had only been missing from sight for a matter of minutes, and were in the care of one or both parents at the time. There is no substitute for active adult supervision to prevent drowning.
To reduce your child's risk of drowning:
Home
Never leave a small child unattended in the bath. If you must answer the telephone or door, don't rely on an older sibling to watch the child, bring the younger child with you.
Never leave a small child unattended near a bucket filled with any amount of water or other liquid.
Never use a bathtub seat with suction cups. The seat can overturn and flip a baby headfirst into the water.
Install a toilet-lid locking device or keep bathroom doors closed at all times. (Or you may want to install a doorknob cover.)
Pool
Never leave your children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment. An adult who knows CPR should actively supervise children at all times.
Practice ‘touch supervision’ with children younger than 5 years. This means that the adult is within an arm's length of the child at all times.
If you are planning a pool party, consider hiring a certified lifeguard to supervise those who will be in the pool.
Put up a fence to separate your house from the pool. Most young children who drown in pools wander out of the house and fall into the pool. Install a fence at least 4 feet high around the pool. This fence will completely separate the pool from the house and play area of the yard. Use gates that self-close and self-latch, with latches higher than your children's reach.
Keep rescue equipment (such as a shepherd's hook or life preserver) and a telephone by the pool.
Do not use air-filled "swimming aids" as a substitute for approved life vests.
Remove all toys from the pool after use so children aren't tempted to reach for them.
After the children are done swimming, secure the pool so they can't get back into it.
A power safety cover that meets the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) may add to the protection of your children but should not be used in place of the fence between your house and the pool. Even fencing around your pool and using a power safety cover will not prevent all drowning.
Drain Entrapment occurs when part of a child’s body becomes attached to a drain because of the powerful suction of a pool or hot tub filtration system. The powerful suction can trap a child underwater or cause internal injuries. It can also occur when a child’s hair, swimsuit or jewelry becomes entangled in the drain. In 2007, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act made it illegal to manufacture, distribute or sell drain covers that do not adhere to the standards for anti-entrapment safety set by the Consumer Product and Safety Commission.
Warn your children about the dangers of drain entrapment, and teach them never to play near a pool drain, with or without a cover.
Pin up long hair when in the water and remove loose parts of swimsuits and loose jewelry that can get ensnared.
Equip pools and hot tubs with an anti-entrapment drain cover and an approved safety vacuum release system and regularly check that drain covers are secure and have no cracks. Flat drain covers can be replaced with dome-shaped ones.
Be aware of public wading pools with missing or broken drain covers. Small children have direct access to the bottom drain in wading pools and sitting on open drains can cause serious internal organ damage.
Remember, teaching your child how to swim DOES NOT mean your child is safe in water. Most young children who drown in swimming pools were last seen in the home, had only been missing from sight for a matter of minutes, and were in the care of one or both parents at the time. There is no substitute for active adult supervision to prevent drowning.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Prom Night Safety Tips
COUNTY EXECUTIVE MANGANO AND ACTING POLICE COMMISSIONER KRUMPTER ISSUE PROM NIGHT SAFETY TIPS
It’s that time of year again, Prom Season. Far too often situations get out of hand on what should be an enjoyable and memorable night for high school students in Nassau County. In an effort to keep Nassau residents safe, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Acting Police Commissioner Thomas C. Krumpter are issuing Prom Night Safety Tips for parents and teens. “I urge all residents involved in this upcoming prom season to review these tips,” said Commissioner Krumpter.
Tips for Parents:
Know and discuss the School code of conduct before the prom with your child.
Does the school code of conduct extend to off-site functions that have been approved by the school?
Know who your child is attending the prom with and discuss the events for pre and post prom parties with other parents.
Discuss the dangers of drinking and driving. New York State law mandates arrest and license revocation/suspension of any person under twenty-one driving with .02% or more Blood Alcohol Content (One Drink!)
Talk with your child about the dangers of club drugs, warning signs and who to notify for assistance.
Pre-plan and role-play answers that your child can use to get out of uncomfortable situations (e.g. offered alcohol, getting a ride from an intoxicated driver, unwanted sexual advances, etc.)
Discuss guidelines and a curfew. Discuss the consequences of violating these rules.
Discuss travel plans, use a reputable limousine service that will not allow a person to bring, serve or introduce alcohol into the vehicle.
Know who is driving to the prom and who will be a passenger. Limit the number of passengers to increase safety and reduce driver distractions.
Know the location of post prom parties and who is sponsoring them.
Talk to your teenager about the serious dangers and consequences of underage drinking and driving.
If your child’s plans change, confirm the change with the parents of other children.
Remind your child that you are there for them, if they need a ride home or to an after prom affair.
Tips for Teens:
Alcohol is illegal for persons under the age of twenty-one. Underage drinking is illegal and can result in arrest, injury, or worse.
Don’t let friends drink and drive.
Plan ahead – make sure you have a safe plan for prom night.
Discuss your plans with your friends; remind each other about responsible decision-making and confronting peer pressure.
Do not accept any drinks from someone you do not know. If you leave your drink, discard it and get a new one.
Do not leave your possessions unattended.
Learn the warning signs for alcohol poisoning and drug intoxication, contact 911 for assistance and immediate treatment.
Take extra money or have a responsible person available for transportation for a safe ride home or in case an emergency arises.
Remember to charge your cell phone and have it with you.
Know where you are and where you are going; keep your parents and friends informed.
Trust your instincts, if you feel endangered or uncomfortable, leave immediately.
Intoxication by alcohol or drugs can lead to poor judgment and dangerous situations.
Remember to contact your parents if your plans change.
Practice and discuss answers you can use to get out of uncomfortable situations.
Do not allow anyone in your car or limo that has drugs or weapons. It is dangerous and everyone in the car is at risk of getting arrested.
It is illegal to alter your drivers’ license or any other form of government identifications.
Police Initiatives:
Intensive patrol near establishments that sell alcoholic beverages.
Random License Premise checks conducted by Patrol Supervisors
It’s that time of year again, Prom Season. Far too often situations get out of hand on what should be an enjoyable and memorable night for high school students in Nassau County. In an effort to keep Nassau residents safe, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Acting Police Commissioner Thomas C. Krumpter are issuing Prom Night Safety Tips for parents and teens. “I urge all residents involved in this upcoming prom season to review these tips,” said Commissioner Krumpter.
Tips for Parents:
Know and discuss the School code of conduct before the prom with your child.
Does the school code of conduct extend to off-site functions that have been approved by the school?
Know who your child is attending the prom with and discuss the events for pre and post prom parties with other parents.
Discuss the dangers of drinking and driving. New York State law mandates arrest and license revocation/suspension of any person under twenty-one driving with .02% or more Blood Alcohol Content (One Drink!)
Talk with your child about the dangers of club drugs, warning signs and who to notify for assistance.
Pre-plan and role-play answers that your child can use to get out of uncomfortable situations (e.g. offered alcohol, getting a ride from an intoxicated driver, unwanted sexual advances, etc.)
Discuss guidelines and a curfew. Discuss the consequences of violating these rules.
Discuss travel plans, use a reputable limousine service that will not allow a person to bring, serve or introduce alcohol into the vehicle.
Know who is driving to the prom and who will be a passenger. Limit the number of passengers to increase safety and reduce driver distractions.
Know the location of post prom parties and who is sponsoring them.
Talk to your teenager about the serious dangers and consequences of underage drinking and driving.
If your child’s plans change, confirm the change with the parents of other children.
Remind your child that you are there for them, if they need a ride home or to an after prom affair.
Tips for Teens:
Alcohol is illegal for persons under the age of twenty-one. Underage drinking is illegal and can result in arrest, injury, or worse.
Don’t let friends drink and drive.
Plan ahead – make sure you have a safe plan for prom night.
Discuss your plans with your friends; remind each other about responsible decision-making and confronting peer pressure.
Do not accept any drinks from someone you do not know. If you leave your drink, discard it and get a new one.
Do not leave your possessions unattended.
Learn the warning signs for alcohol poisoning and drug intoxication, contact 911 for assistance and immediate treatment.
Take extra money or have a responsible person available for transportation for a safe ride home or in case an emergency arises.
Remember to charge your cell phone and have it with you.
Know where you are and where you are going; keep your parents and friends informed.
Trust your instincts, if you feel endangered or uncomfortable, leave immediately.
Intoxication by alcohol or drugs can lead to poor judgment and dangerous situations.
Remember to contact your parents if your plans change.
Practice and discuss answers you can use to get out of uncomfortable situations.
Do not allow anyone in your car or limo that has drugs or weapons. It is dangerous and everyone in the car is at risk of getting arrested.
It is illegal to alter your drivers’ license or any other form of government identifications.
Police Initiatives:
Intensive patrol near establishments that sell alcoholic beverages.
Random License Premise checks conducted by Patrol Supervisors
Envision Valley Stream
The next general meeting of Envision Valley Stream will be on Wednesday, May 25 at 7:30pm in the Hendrickson Park Administration Building (behind Central High School). There is much to discuss at this meeting including the plans to build a casino at Belmont Racetrack in Elmont.
Envision Valley Stream's second annual Art in the Park and Boutique Craft Fair is quickly approaching. The event will take place Saturday, July 16 at the Valley Stream Village Green (60 Verona Place) from 10AM to 5PM. If you or someone you know would like to exhibit artwork or sell crafts please register at our website www.EnvisionValleyStream.org or feel free to contact me at 516-792-1246.
Envision Valley Stream's second annual Art in the Park and Boutique Craft Fair is quickly approaching. The event will take place Saturday, July 16 at the Valley Stream Village Green (60 Verona Place) from 10AM to 5PM. If you or someone you know would like to exhibit artwork or sell crafts please register at our website www.EnvisionValleyStream.org or feel free to contact me at 516-792-1246.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Move Over Law Enforcement
“AMBROSE – SEARLES MOVE OVER ACT”
The Nassau County Police Department’s Highway Patrol Bureau will be beginning a two week enforcement detail of New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1144-a, the Ambrose – Searles Move Over Act that requires motorists to change lanes when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle. This detail will run from Sunday April 10th, 2011 through April 22, 2011.
1144-a. Operation of vehicles when approaching a parked, stopped or standing authorized emergency vehicle.
Every operator of a motor vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with an authorized emergency vehicle which is parked, stopped or standing on the shoulder or any portion of such highway and such authorized emergency vehicle is displaying one or more red or combination red and white lights pursuant to the provisions of paragraph two of subdivision forty-one of section three hundred seventy-five of this chapter. For operators of motor vehicles on parkways or controlled access highways, such due care shall include, but not be limited to, moving from a lane which contains or is immediately adjacent to the shoulder where such authorized emergency vehicle displaying one or more red or combination red and white lights pursuant to the provisions of paragraph two of subdivision forty-one of section three hundred seventy-five of this chapter is parked, stopped or standing to another lane, provided that such movement otherwise complies with the requirements of this chapter including, but not limited to, the provisions of sections eleven hundred ten of this title and eleven hundred twenty-eight of this title.
Authorized emergency vehicle. Every ambulance, police vehicle, fire vehicle, civil emergency vehicle, emergency ambulance service vehicle, environmental response vehicle, sanitation patrol vehicle, hazardous materials vehicle, and ordnance disposal vehicle of the armed services of the United States.
The Nassau County Police Department’s Highway Patrol Bureau will be beginning a two week enforcement detail of New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1144-a, the Ambrose – Searles Move Over Act that requires motorists to change lanes when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle. This detail will run from Sunday April 10th, 2011 through April 22, 2011.
1144-a. Operation of vehicles when approaching a parked, stopped or standing authorized emergency vehicle.
Every operator of a motor vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with an authorized emergency vehicle which is parked, stopped or standing on the shoulder or any portion of such highway and such authorized emergency vehicle is displaying one or more red or combination red and white lights pursuant to the provisions of paragraph two of subdivision forty-one of section three hundred seventy-five of this chapter. For operators of motor vehicles on parkways or controlled access highways, such due care shall include, but not be limited to, moving from a lane which contains or is immediately adjacent to the shoulder where such authorized emergency vehicle displaying one or more red or combination red and white lights pursuant to the provisions of paragraph two of subdivision forty-one of section three hundred seventy-five of this chapter is parked, stopped or standing to another lane, provided that such movement otherwise complies with the requirements of this chapter including, but not limited to, the provisions of sections eleven hundred ten of this title and eleven hundred twenty-eight of this title.
Authorized emergency vehicle. Every ambulance, police vehicle, fire vehicle, civil emergency vehicle, emergency ambulance service vehicle, environmental response vehicle, sanitation patrol vehicle, hazardous materials vehicle, and ordnance disposal vehicle of the armed services of the United States.
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