Issues: Drunk Driving

Today, State Senator Adriano Espaillat (D – Manhattan/Bronx) and Assemblyman Nelson Castro (D – Bronx) applauded Governor Cuomo for signing an important law that will protect minors from a dangerous alcohol beverage sold in parts of New York City. The law, sponsored by Senator Espaillat and Assemblyman Castro in the legislature, will crack down on the selling of sugary, colorful, and strong alcoholic drinks, often known as the “nutcracker.”

Yet Another Wrong-Way Driving Crash Shows Need for Tougher Laws 

           Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) today announced that the New York State Senate has passed legislation he sponsors to better enable law enforcement to catch suspected drunk drivers. The legislation (S3768B) would help prevent drunk drivers from escaping prosecution for DWI crimes by allowing law enforcement to seek court orders to compel when suspected drunk drivers refuse to submit to chemical intoxication tests. 

New York State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle said  today that the Senate passed a measure on June 16 that imposes mandatory jail time for individuals who choose to drive again under the influence of drugs or alcohol after having been previously convicted of such a crime. The bill (S.2597) is intended to increase the penalties for multiple DWI offenders.

“It is critical to the safety of motorists that we do our best to ensure that those who endanger the lives of others are kept off the road,” said Senator LaValle.  “This measure will protect the public from drunk drivers by giving law enforcement additional tools to effectively prosecute recidivist drunk drivers.”

Under the measure:

The New York State Senate today passed a measure that would impose mandatory jail time for individuals who chose to drive again under the influence of drugs or alcohol after having been previously convicted of such a crime. The bill (S.2597) is sponsored by Senator Charles Fuschillo (R- Merrick), Chairman of the Senate’s Transportation Committee, and is intended to increase the penalties for multiple DWI offenders.

Senator John A. DeFrancisco (R-I-C Syracuse) announced that his bill (S2860-A), which would create a link between all of a person’s driving under the influence of alcohol or drug offenses, passed the New York State Senate today. 

Named after the late Tiffany Heitkamp, who was killed during an alcohol related boating accident in July of 2006, the bill would link Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), with Snowmobiling While Intoxicated (SWI), Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), as well as driving an ATV while intoxicated. Under current law, there is no linkage between these offenses, making it possible to be convicted in two or more separate cases and still be treated as a first time offender. 

Queens, NY, May 24, 2011 – In order to make New York State roads safer and to protect the safety of law-abiding drivers, NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) introduced a bill, S.1271/A.4190, to the Senate that amends the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to increasing the penalties for driving with a suspended or revoked license. The bill is now in the Senate's Committee on Transportation; if passed, it will take effect immediately.

             The New York State Senate today passed legislation sponsored by Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) that closes a loophole which allows someone arrested for DUI while driving with a conditional license to face only a traffic infraction.  

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) today announced that the Senate has approved legislation he sponsored to close a legal loophole which allows some intoxicated drivers to escape prosecution for DWI.