Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Reminds Long Islanders of Targeted Traffic Safety Partnership, Increased July 4 Enforcement

As part of its ongoing “Drive Safe New York” campaign, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) today reminded Long Islanders of its continuing partnership to boost traffic safety awareness statewide with the help of the Long Island Ducks, a partnership now entering its second season.

“Summer gives families ample opportunity for outside activities, including going out to catch a ball game, but unfortunately it is also one of the deadliest times of year on New York’s roads,” said NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt. “Fourth of July weekend puts us in the middle of what are called the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, when more of us are on the roads and the chances of encountering impaired, reckless and distracted drivers goes up. We appreciate this sponsorship with the Ducks to promote traffic safety in a fun atmosphere, while also being able to target specific messaging in areas where the data shows it is needed.”

As part of the sponsorship, a special GTSC traffic safety message is playing whenever a Ducks player draws a walk during a game. On Long Island, pedestrian safety, speeding and impaired driving are particular areas of focus that GTSC and its partners are working to address.

Some of the alarming statistics that show the need for targeted messaging include: 

• Nassau and Suffolk counties are consistently ranked among the most dangerous in the state for traffic crashes and fatalities.
• In 2024, there were more than 30,850 crashes on Long Island resulting in a death or injury; 877 of those crashes involved drivers impaired by either alcohol or drugs.
• That same year, there were nearly 4,700 speed-related crashes.

Throughout the summer, GTSC will conduct awareness events during the season at Fairfield Properties Ball Park, as well as through special traffic enforcement mobilizations in conjunction with State Police, Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and Suffolk County STOP-DWI.

Sean Smith, General Manager of the Long Island Ducks said, “The Long Island Ducks have been proud to provide affordable family entertainment to the community for over a quarter of a century. Our ballpark has become a prominent community marketing venue for all types of organizations, and we are happy to support the GTSC’s message in keeping Long Islanders as safe as possible.”

GTSC is also in the middle of a coordinated $1.1 million multi-media campaign statewide to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, as well as end preventable crashes. not just alcohol-impaired but also cannabis-impaired or impaired from mixing prescription meds with alcohol.

The campaign, running from Memorial Day through Labor Day, includes messaging on social media channels, in apps and across the web, audio spots, on billboards near higher volume crash locations, messaging at gas pumps, in bars, restaurants and dispensaries, and around beaches and other entertainment venues.

Long Islanders can also expect to see more state and local police on the roadways, with the Fourth of July holiday increased enforcement campaign focusing on impaired, distracted and reckless driving underway from Monday, June 29 through Sunday, July 5.

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Anyone who spends significant time on the road knows there is an increase in impaired and aggressive driving behavior. Our goal is to change this behavior, educate, prevent crashes, and save lives. We are proud to partner with the GTSC in the mission of making our roads safer, and to share traffic safety messaging during the heart of America’s favorite pastime.”

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said, “With the arrival of the busy summer season, Suffolk County’s roads and waterways experience a significant increase in traffic, making proactive enforcement essential to protecting public safety. We have increased patrols to target impaired drivers and boaters, as well as aggressive driving behaviors that place everyone at risk. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement and community partners to reinforce the importance of making responsible choices and remind everyone that driving or boating under the influence is both dangerous and entirely preventable.”

Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon Jr. said, “The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is out on the front lines every night to prevent impaired and reckless driving from destroying lives. As traffic increases during the summer months, particularly on the East End, we will continue to enhance enforcement and work closely with our law enforcement partners on DWI operations. This new campaign is another powerful tool in our shared mission to keep Long Island’s roadways safe.”

For federal fiscal year 2026, GTSC has awarded more than $54 million in federal highway safety grants, administered on behalf of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, to support more than 550 traffic safety programs throughout New York State. Those programs and projects include enforcement mobilizations, public education and information campaigns, child passenger safety programs and community awareness projects, awarded to state, local and not-for-profit agencies for the purpose of improving overall highway safety and reducing deaths and serious injuries due to crashes in New York.

The GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation remind motorists that their "Have a Plan" mobile app is available for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones. Users can locate and call a taxi service or ride share and program a designated driver list. The app also provides information on DWI laws and penalties, and it even allows users to report a suspected impaired driver.   

Learn more about GTSC and follow the conversation on Facebook, X and Instagram for more information about traffic safety resources and awareness efforts.   

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