“When you see increased (trooper) presence …you’ll be reminded to slow down,” Westchester District Attorney Susan Cacace says of the new District Attorney’s Safer Highways (D.A.S.H.) program just launched with the New York State Police.
“Slow down or we will slow you down,” Cacace said. “You’ll still get to where you’re going but you’ll get there safely without putting anyone else’s life at risk.”
On Feb. 2, the program began with increased State Police patrols on the Sprain Brook Parkway and I-684. The initial phase of the program will be in effect through the end of February at which time, Cacace said, she will report on what has been achieved and where the program will go from there.
New York State Police Troop K Commander Daniel P. Smith was planning to assign what is described as a significant number of troopers to monitor those two highways to nab motorists showing evidence of unsafe driving, including both non-criminal and criminal violations.
Troopers will focus on motorists who drive at unsafe speeds; engage in reckless maneuvers; drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol; engage in road rage behavior; and drive while unable to safely do so due to physical or mental condition, among other things.
The DA’s office has assigned two assistant district attorneys to work with the State Police in reviewing possible cases to be brought against motorists. Jamie Fair, chief of the Greenburgh Branch, and Cindy Adimari, chief of the Rye Branch have been assigned to the D.A.S.H. program.
“No one should have to fear losing life or limb when getting on the highway,” Cacace said. “Unfortunately, a reckless driver’s poor decision-making doesn’t just put them at risk, it endangers all of us. Whether it’s excessive speeding, swerving or driving under the influence, the roads have steadily become unsafe for the families of Westchester County. With D.A.S.H., my message to the driving public is this: ‘Slow down, or we’ll do it for you.’”
According to Smith, “Highway safety and the preservation of public order are core values of the New York State Police, and this initiative reflects our shared responsibility to protect law-abiding motorists while addressing the very real dangers that aggressive and reckless driving create.”
With Cacace and Smith to announce the program at the State Police Barracks in Hawthorne was Carole Sears, of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Westchester County.
“There is absolutely no excuse for getting behind the wheel if you are either on alcohol or drugs,” Sears said. “You are driving a two-ton missile when you get behind the wheel.”
