Suffolk Police To Increase Enforcement For Memorial Day Weekend

GREAT RIVER, NY — Suffolk police announced they will increase patrol across the county's roadways and waterways during Memorial Day weekend. The holiday, which falls on Monday, May 31 this year, marks the unofficial beginning of summer.

This year, there will be a significantly higher number of motorists on the roads. According to AAA, a total of 37 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles or more between May 27 and May 31.

In addition, at least 60 percent more people are expected to travel compared to last year when most of the country was in lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. In 2020, only 23 million traveled, the lowest on record since AAA began recording in 2000.

During the holiday weekend, Suffolk police say officers will be enforcing traffic laws to help keep motorists safe.

Using a Safe Driving Enforcement grant, officers countywide will enforce the Click It or Ticket program to increase compliance with seat belt and child safety seat laws.

Officers will also be targeting aggressive and distracted drivers as well as those who are driving or operating a boat under the influence.