Police

Increased police patrols on roads, waterways this weekend

In an effort to crack down on drunk driving this Labor Day weekend, Suffolk County Police will beef up patrols on area roads and waterways.

“Lives are lost each year because of the irresponsible decisions of others to operate a boat or drive a vehicle under the influence,” Suffolk County Police Commissioner Edward Webber said in a press release Thursday. “Officers will be aggressively targeting offenders to ensure a safe holiday weekend for residents of Suffolk County.”

The effort will include officers from the Marine Bureau, Community Support Units, Motorcycle Section and SAFE-T (Selective Alcohol Fatality Enforcement) Section as well as standard patrols, Mr. Webber said.

“We are asking residents to make responsible decisions to ensure a safe holiday for themselves and others this weekend,” added Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “Suffolk statistics indicate that increased enforcement efforts have assisted in reducing the amount of accidents and fatalities.”

The U.S. Coast Guard also issued a press release Thursday asking boaters to use extra caution this weekend, which they predict will be busier than usual because of favorable weather conditions.

In addition, they warned that unsettled sea conditions “left in the wake of Hurricane Cristobal mean that boat operators need to be especially vigilant.”

The Coast Guard recommends wearing a life jacket, taking a VHF-FM marine radio, monitoring weather broadcasts and filing a float plan with a friend or family member. Additional safety tips are available on their website.

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