Assembly Resolution No. 1402

BY: M. of A. Rules (Woerner)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
December 2026, as Impaired Driving Prevention Month
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim December 2026, as Impaired
Driving Prevention Month in the State of New York in conjunction with
National Impaired Driving Prevention Month; and

WHEREAS, Impaired driving, whether by alcohol, drugs, or a
combination thereof, remains one of the leading causes of preventable
deaths and injuries on New York's roadways; and

WHEREAS, In the United States, someone is killed or injured in a
drunk-driving crash every 42 minutes; in New York State, drunk drivers
cause more than 17,000 deaths annually, which equates to 1 death every
30 minutes; and

WHEREAS, The average drunk driver has driven drunk 80 times before
their first arrest, and studies have shown that the use of ignition
interlocks reduces recidivism by up to 70 percent in first-time, repeat,
and high-risk offenders; and

WHEREAS, Recent New York State drunk and drugged driving statistics
show increasing alcohol-related fatalities with a 28% rise from
2019-2023; and

WHEREAS, Cannabis and narcotic analgesics are the most common drugs
found in impaired drivers, with rising trends in stimulants; and

WHEREAS, Despite a decline in youth drinking, evidence suggests that
underage impaired driving is increasing; and

WHEREAS, According to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), thousands of lives are lost nationwide each
December in alcohol-related crashes, a significant spike during the
holiday season; and

WHEREAS, Traffic fatalities are growing in New York State with
slightly more than 30% of the fatal crashes being alcohol-related; and

WHEREAS, New York State has a zero-tolerance policy for impaired and
reckless driving, an effort continuously supported by the Governor's
Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) and local law enforcement agencies; and

WHEREAS, Public awareness campaigns such as "Drive Sober or Get
Pulled Over" and the STOP-DWI program are crucial in educating the
public about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving; and


WHEREAS, Promoting safe alternatives, such as designating a sober
driver, using public transportation, or utilizing rideshare services can
effectively prevent these tragedies; and

WHEREAS, This designation reaffirms New York State's commitment to
public safety and honors the victims and families affected by impaired
driving incidents; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body urges all New York residents to
observe this month by committing to responsible decision-making,
planning for a safe ride home during holiday celebrations, and raising
awareness about the preventable dangers of impaired driving to ensure
the safety of all who share the road; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim December 2026, as Impaired
Driving Prevention Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.