DUI legislation in the huge wake of the tragedy on the Taconic
It happens after every jaw dropping larger-than-life tragedy. If a law could have prevented it, lawmakers armchair quarterback. That’s how it should be, just a shame they have a “we could have had a V8” moment after 8 deaths at the hands of Diane Schuler instead of before. We are getting better, thanks in large part to the vigilance of MADD, but we have a LONG way to go. I’ve actually been involved in one of those knee jerk situations. 4 years after my fatal drunk driving accident, a traffic light was erected at that intersection, it normally takes tragic death to move government to action.
Not that this law would necessarily have prevented the tragedy on the Taconic, but it may in the future prevent needless deaths of parents who are irresponsible enough to drink and drive.
In the wake of all this, Gov. David Paterson unveiled new laws targeting drivers under the influence who have passengers under the age of 17 in tow,at a press conference. First time offenders would be required to install devices preventing them from starting their cars while drunk and repeat offenders would face prison time—up to 25 years behind bars if a young passenger dies.
Paterson said that there were already 35 states that had child endangerment laws on the book associated with driving under the influence, yet in New York there was no law to protect the over 600 children a year that are injured or killed in DUI accidents.
“Clearly we have a situation that typifies what has been an undressed issue in New York state,” said the governor. “Today we will introduce legislation to make New York one of those states [that has tougher laws].
Under the new law drunk driving with a youngster in the car go from being a misdemeanor to being a felony.
Certainly, every state needs to visit this tragedy and consider how it may also prevent their children from dying because of bad decisions from parents too. While we’re at it, we should lay it down to prosecutors and judges that the tide has turned a bloody red and it’s time to start doling out major sentences for those that kill the innocent. In fact many prosecutors are doing just that. The time for mercy has long since passed.
We learn the lesson over and over again, every once and a while we actually get mad about it. This site is in no way just about stopping DUI, but it is a major focus because it’s a major and needless source of trauma injury and death from the same. Our weekly national DUI report is just one of the tools we use on the site to keep the spotlight shined brightly on this issue. For those unconvinced how bad things really are, a half hour reading that page each sunday morning might just change your outlook. There is no need to embellish this stuff, it’s far more horrible than fiction could ever be.
Perhaps one day we will decide that we just need to dole out serious prison sentences on drunk drivers. Hard to kill the innocent when you’re locked up with the guilty.
We applaud the State of New York for stepping up to the plate, we just wish it could somehow bring back those 8 lives lost in this tragedy.
