New Law to Curb Drunk Driving in New York
A new law that has taken effect this month will make it a felony to drive with a blood alcohol level greater than 0.08 percent with a passenger who is under the age of 16. According to a news report, this new law, known as Leandra's Law states that a first offense will carry a potential prison sentence of up to four years; up to 15 years if a child passenger is seriously injured; and up to 25 years if the child is killed. The legislation, adopted last month, was named after Leandra Rosada, an 11-year-old girl who was killed in a Manhattan DUI car accident.
Drivers charged under this law will also be required to surrender their driving privileges pending prosecution. If convicted, drivers must install an ignition interlock system in the car for at least six months. According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, in 2008 alone, there were 9,202 alcohol-related car accidents in New York. In those crashed 488 children under the age of 18 were injured or killed.
The New York personal injury lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP can only hope that this new law makes out roadways safer for children. Drunk drivers who cause serious personal injuries and deaths of innocent people should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and also be held civilly liable for the injuries and damages they have caused. If you are a victim of a drunk driving accident, please call the New York drunk driving victim attorneys for a free consultation and evaluation of your personal injury claim.
Source: http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20091214/NEWS01/912140331/1006/
