As Summer Vacation Season Nears Its End, The Governor’s Traffic Committee Urges Long Islanders to Drive Safe

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) is continuing its effort to address concerns about the starting number of serious and fatal crashes on Long Island, as Nassau and Suffolk counties are among the most dangerous counties in the state for these tragedies.

GTSC and its partners will be at Jones Beach from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Friday, August 29 to impart its public safety messaging to visitors to the beach and boardwalk. They will be joined by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), New York State Police, New York State Parks Police, and representatives from the Garden City, Lynbrook and Port Washington police departments.

Visitors to the beach will be able to talk to and gather information from the participating organizations. State Police will have a simulator on site that simulates the force even a low-speed collision generates. Parks Police will share an informative display on the importance of seat belts and will demonstrate appropriate car seat installation. Other participants will have additional information and giveaways to share.

The event will be located on the Central Mall Boardwalk near the administration building and the bandshell.

“Nearly 200 people lost their lives in car crashes in Nassau and Suffolk County last year, and even one loss is too many,” said Mark J.F. Schroeder, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and GTSC Chair. “Every one of those losses leaves an immeasurable ripple effect for their families and communities. That is why we are getting out and urging Long Islanders to open their eyes to the serious problem plaguing their community. We all share responsibility for our safety and the safety of others. Slow down, drive sober and watch for pedestrians.”

Part of the "Drive Safe Long Island" campaign includes a partnership with the Long Island Ducks to promote traffic safety at their games. GTSC’s safety messages are mentioned when a Ducks player draw a walk, and additional general traffic safety messaging is given over the public address and radio broadcasts before and during the game.

GTSC began the campaign in July due to concerns with traffic safety on Long Island. In 2024, there were 164 fatal crashes in Suffolk and Nassau counties with 175 people killed.  

GTSC has provided millions of dollars through highway safety grants to Nassau and Suffolk County to help curb dangerous driving across the region. This year, GTSC has awarded $1,469,284 in grants to partners in Nassau and Suffolk counties to address critical traffic safety issues.  

In total, GTSC provided 45 grants to different partners this year to address traffic safety on Long Island.

For more information about traffic safety in New York State, please visit the GTSC website and follow the conversation on Facebook, X and Instagram.  

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