Since it is the holiday season I believe that it
is important and timely to highlight the dangers
of drinking and driving.
We must never lose sight of the fact that
everyday in this country there are far too many
families suffering due to the selfish acts of a
drunk or drugged driver.
During this time of year we must all
remain vigilant of driving responsibly, and
stress the importance of this message to our
community of friends and family.
If you plan on driving and drinking leave
your car home and do not accept a ride from
someone who has been drinking at your social
gathering.
If traveling as a group choose a
designated driver or make arrangements for car
service.
My office treats drunk driving very
seriously.
In addition to the prosecution of drunk
drivers, I have created a prevention program
known as “Choices and Consequences” to address
the deadly problem of reckless and drunk driving
among teens.
Dedicated members of my specialized
Vehicular Crimes Bureau visit high schools
throughout Brooklyn
presenting an interactive curriculum to students
together with the City Department of
Transportation and the Police Department.
The presentation concludes with a family
member of a victim who senselessly lost their
lives, or a defendant who has caused harm due to
his reckless behavior, explaining his
experiences and the consequences of his actions
to the students.
Automobile accidents are the number one
killer of young people between the ages of 16
and 24.
Each year approximately 6,000 young lives
are lost and another 300,000 teens are injured
in car accidents.
In our state more than 20 percent of all
highway fatalities involve the use of alcohol or
other substances.
New York State makes it illegal for any driver or
passenger to possess an alcoholic beverage with
intent to consume the contents.
Operating a motor vehicle while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs is a Vehicle and
Traffic Law offense, the penalties for which
include license revocation, a substantial fine,
and a possible jail sentence.
Also,
New York
passed a law call the Child Passenger Protection
Act, also known as “Leandra’ Law,” which
designates it a felony if a drunk driver is
apprehended with a child in the car.
The bill also requires interlock devices
to stop engines from starting for all DWI
offenders if their breath establishes
intoxication.
With these safety considerations in mind I hope
that you and your family have a wonderful
holiday season.
