New York Strengthens Penalties For Those Caught Drunk Driving

November 1, 2013

The Car Accident Lawyers with William Mattar Law Offices say New York has some of the toughest laws in the nation against drunk driving. The state still strives to reduce the number of accidents associated with drunk driving though, and recently passed legislation to make the penalties for drinking and driving tougher.

WGRZ 2 News reports that New York State enacted “Leandra’s Law” in 2009, a piece of legislation that makes it a felony offense to drive drunk with child passengers. The law was created after a drunk driving accident claimed the life of a young girl who was riding with an intoxicated motorist.

Under the new legislation, drivers convicted of drunk driving charges will be required to use an ignition interlock device or surrender their driving privileges. The changes were prompted by findings that showed as many as 70 percent of drunk driving offenders found ways to bypass using the devices.

Now though, those who properly use the devices can have their licenses reinstated in six months rather than the normal one-year waiting period.

William Mattar’s Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyers are aware of the serious risks that drunk drivers pose to themselves and others on the road. That is why the firm is hopeful the new laws will serve as a deterrent to drinking and driving.