Coinciding with the opening of schools, Police Commissioner Ernest Cipullo announces that the Garden City Police Department is conducting an aggressive driving campaign. During this campaign, Garden City Police officers will be targeting motorists who commit aggressive driving violations not only on heavily traveled roads but also in the vicinity of schools and bus stops. Along with their respective Garden City Village Court imposed fines and New York State DMV point penalties, the following is a partial list of aggressive driving violations that will be targeted during this campaign:

Violation Fine Points

Speeding $135 - $255 3 - 11

Reckless Driving Jail Sentence and/or fine 5

Passing a red light $205 3

Passing a stop sign $205 3

Passing a stopped

school bus $385 5

Driving through a railroad

gate/barricade $385 3

Tailgating $235 4

Mobile phone violation $185 0

Unsafe lane use $155 3

New York State DMV suspends the driver's license of anyone who has collected 11 points during an 18-month period or who has been convicted of 3 speed violations during an 18-month period.

In addition to aggressive driving violations, the Garden City Police Department will be targeting motorists who are on their cell phone while operating a vehicle. Research has shown that cell phone use by motorists may lead to driver distraction which is a primary cause of car crashes.

Commissioner Cipullo states "With the opening of schools, it is now more important than ever that motorists understand that in many cases aggressive driving and cell phone use leads to tragic accidents where many of the victims are children. The Police Department feels that heavy traffic enforcement plus the implementation of large fines and points will help reduce the probability of tragic accidents attributed to Aggressive Driving."