Authorities rang in the New Year by clearing dozens of drunk drivers off Long Island roads.
Southampton Town police arrested three intoxicated motorists within a little more than an hour shortly after the start of 2011. The drivers were stopped after being seen tailgating, driving without lights, and making a wrong turn.
Nassau County police tallied 40 arrests between 9 p.m. on Dec. 31 and 8 a.m. on Jan. 3. Suffolk County police reported 31 from 4 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 8 a.m. on Jan. 3.
The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department stopped 400 drivers at their checkpoints, and arrested six for DWI. “It wasn’t exceedingly busy. That was somewhat encouraging,” said Chief of Staff Michael Sharkey. “[But] every one is bad enough.”
Sharkey said authorities would maintain active DWI patrols, but stressed the holiday required extra attention due to the high number of social events and people indulging.
State police numbers were not available yesterday.
