New York is blazing a path, and CAID couldn't be happier. Lawmakers just gave the green light to one of the toughest sets of anti-drunien-driving statutes in the nation.
It's a huge step to making our roads safer from drunk drivers. Tuesday in Albany, the state assembly passed a measure that special ignition locking devices can be imposed on any driver convicted of drunk driving. This includes first-time offenders.
The legislation also means those drivers caught drinking and driving with a child (passenger 15 and under) in the car could soon face a felony, that would bring up the charge from a misdemeanor.
How do these ignition interlocking devices work? A driver would blow into the device and the car wouldn't start if the driver has any measurable level of alcohol in his or her system. Interlocks may be set for "running retests" which require a driver to provide breath tests at regular intervals. That If a driver fails a running retest, the car's horn will blare and/or lights will flash to hopefully alert a police.
The bill is named after 11 year old Leandra Rosado. She was killed on October 11th in Manhattan, her father was a major advocate for the legislation, personally lobbying lawmakers.
Kudos to New York lawmakers...they woke up to the fact that DWI continues to make our roads dangerous. This legislation could be the starting point for turning things around.
Deanna
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
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