May 28, 2004

Contact(s): William J. Smith (718) 556-7150
District Attorney’s Office

Tony Ciavolella (212) 435-7777
Port Authority of New York & New Jersey

DISTRICT ATTORNEY DONOVAN AND PORT AUTHORITY JOIN FORCES TO FIGHT DRUNK DRIVING ON STATEN ISLAND

STATEN ISLAND, NY- Richmond County District Attorney Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. today joined with Ken Philmus, Director of Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals, and Jerry Del Tufo, Staten Island Bridges Manager, of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) to announce the installation of signs at the PANYNJ’s Staten Island Bridges proclaiming the message “If you’re going to drink...Let someone else drive.”

“I am grateful to the Port Authority for committing their resources to fighting drunk driving across the New York Metro area,” stated District Attorney Donovan. “As we are entering summer vacation and barbeque season, it is important to remind people of the simple message - If you are going to drink...Let someone else drive” The signs, installed at the Bayonne, Outerbridge, and Goethals Crossings, were paid for and installed by the PANYNJ. The message at the toll plazas reflects a message created by District Attorney Donovan, and carried on posters distributed across Staten Island and soon to be installed on various billboards across the borough.

Port Authority Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals Director Ken Philmus said, "The Port Authority is pleased to assist District Attorney Donovan in communicating the important message to the public that people should not drink and drive. This summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day we
anticipate 34 million travelers to use the three Staten Island crossings, and these signs will hopefully underscore the importance of not driving while under the influence of alcohol."

According to the most recent figures provided by the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration, in 2002, 17,419 people were killed as result of alcohol related crashes. In 2003, 665 people were arrested for drunk driving on Staten Island; at the current rate the number of arrests for 2004 will exceed 700.

“I encourage all Staten Islanders to enjoy this summer season as much as possible - enjoy the beach, the ball games, the barbeques” stated District Attorney Donovan.”We’re not suggesting that people shouldn’t drink. Just don’t drive after you drink.”

Additionally, as part of an ongoing initiative to combat drunk driving, District Attorney Donovan has been visiting Staten Island High Schools, filmed a public service announcement airing on Time Warner Cable, and met with representatives of the Staten Island restaurant and livery driver industries. The District Attorney has previously announced that his office will seek mandatory jail time for repeat DWI offenders.