Last year, the Legislature and I responded to the tragic death of 11-year-old Leandra Rosado, who was killed while riding in a vehicle driven by an allegedly intoxicated driver, by enacting what we believe are the toughest anti drunk driving laws in the nation. The first part of "Leandra's Law," which makes it a felony to drive drunk with a child in the car, took effect last fall. The second phase - the so-called "interlock provision" - takes effect August 15.
Under this provision, when anyone is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor drunk driving offense the court will be required to impose - in addition to any fine or jail sentence - a term of probation or conditional discharge of at least six months. During this time, the offender will be required to install and maintain an ignition interlock device in any motor vehicle they own or operate. Before a vehicle's motor can be started, the driver will have to exhale into the device and if their breath alcohol concentration is higher than a certain level, the engine will not start which will make the roads safer for all New Yorkers.
It is our goal to dramatically decrease the incidence of drunken driving, not merely catch and prosecute those who violate the law and I believe the inconvenience, expense and humiliation of having to blow into a mechanical device before starting a vehicle will have a powerful deterrent effect - when people are aware of that consequence of drunken driving.
We intend to get the word out through a number of channels, including an outstanding public service announcement prepared by the New York State Police. This brief segment, which is now posted on my website, will be shared with broadcasters throughout the State as we get closer to the effective date. To watch the public service announcement about Leandra's law, please click here. Also, please share your views on this issue on Straight Talk from the Taxpayer.
