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Police increase DWI enforcement throughout Long Island this holiday season

Every year drunk drivers cause more than 17,000 deaths according to state police.

Jenna Rae Gaertner

Dec 25, 2025, 7:44 AM

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Police say there will be an increase of patrols and DWI enforcement throughout Long Island this holiday season.

Drunk drivers cause more than 17,000 deaths every year, according to state police.

“They didn't have to die. That's the most frustrating thing,” said Marge Lee, president of Dedicatedd, an organization that works to get drunk drivers off the roads.

It’s personal for Lee too. She was hit head on by a drunk driver many years ago and her oldest son was killed.

“No matter how many people are around that table, I see one empty chair,” Lee said.

Police say they are increasing patrols through the New Year and will have random DWI check points.

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office says they’ve made more than 300 DWI arrests this year — a record-breaking number for them.

They say if anyone has had too much to drink, rideshare services can act as designated drivers.

Other companies, like Midnite Riders, will even drive your car home for you.

“There’s a lot of tragedies on the road that could be avoided if they used our service,” said co-owner Neil Gottlieb.

State police say if a drunk driver is about to get behind the wheel, take their keys.

If you see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call law enforcement.

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