It may come as no surprise that speeding and traffic congestion are problems in Suffolk County, where we have more miles of roads and the most registered vehicles in the state. We also lead the state in the number of fatal and serious injury crashes, the majority involving drivers 21 to 39 years old, often involving speeding and unsafe lane changes.
“It’s not something you want to be first in,” said Suffolk County district attorney Ray Tierney, as he introduced members of a team dedicated to reducing those numbers before a group of community members and media representatives gathered for an SCPD Community Advisory Meeting at the H. Lee Dennison Building on Feb. 3.
Officials say current laws inhibit their ability to prosecute vehicular crimes like reckless driving, aggravated vehicular manslaughter, vehicular assault and driving while impaired by drugs.
As part of her presentation, Maureen McCormick, prosecutor and special assistant D.A., part of the STOP—DWI program, outlined problems with existing laws where a loophole allows drivers under the influence to escape consequences when impaired by drugs. As currently written, the law defines intoxication as alcohol related. Many drugs that can impair a driver’s ability are not on a list of controlled substances recognized by the law. “Deadly Driving Bill S.6485/A 396/a” would change that.
According to Stephanie Dellinger, Traffic Safety Resource prosecutor, Downstate New York Region, these crimes contributed to 1,026 fatal crashes and 11,004 serious injuries in 2024.
“At the time of the accident, most people were doing normal things, like taking their family for an ice cream cone,” she said.’’
Keeping in mind that vehicular crimes are 100 percent preventable, deputy bureau chief, Vehicular Crime Division, Laura Newcombe addresses “choices and consequences” through programs at local high schools, often before prom season, when she counsels that crashes begin with choices made every single day. “The goal,” she said, “is to change the culture on Long Island’s roadways where more than 115 people died last year in Suffolk County, where vehicle crashes are the No. 1 cause of death for people 15 to 24 years of age.”
“Someone dies every day in a car crash on Long Island,” she said. “Many more crashes cause serious injury.”
Texting, reckless driving, using phones instead of paying attention while driving, motorcycles and E-bikes are most often cited as causing accidents.
And, with support from Suffolk County executive Ed Romaine, the Suffolk County Task Force has increased the size of its highway patrol by 30 percent and has engaged the criminal intelligence bureau’s assistance to stop street takeovers before they happen, issuing summonses, making arrests and impounding vehicles, including those parked in Nassau County driveways to escape detection.
Suffolk County sheriff Toulon’s office stressed the need to focus on the relationship between vehicles and crime, with indicators that may not seem like obvious signs of criminal activity: fake license plates; covered plates; tinted windows.
To further assist in the reduction of dangerous vehicular activity, the county has also set up a community liaison committee designed to listen and respond to community concerns.
For more information: suffolkcountyny.gov
To report a concern: Suffolk County DA Community Affairs (631) 626-1007.
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