MADD Praises NY Governor, Legislature for Historic DWI Law

  11/17/2009

Contact Information

Frank Harris, MADD, 469-420-4401
Misty Moyse, MADD, 1-800-438-6233

Gov. Paterson, Speaker Silver, Sen. Fuschillo, Sen. Dilan, Assemblyman Weisenberg to be commended for leadership

Albany, NY—Today Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is pleased to support the agreement reached by Governor David Paterson and the New York State Legislature to pass Leandra’s Law.  Under the new measure all convicted drunk drivers must use an ignition interlock device and anyone convicted of driving drunk with a child in a vehicle will face felony charges.

“These two new laws plus the Stop DWI self sufficiency program coupled with the outstanding leadership of New York law enforcement and prosecutors make New York the national model. MADD was honored to work with Mr. Lenny Rosado, Fulton Youth of the Future, Governor David Paterson, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Senator Chuck Fuschillo, Senator Martin Dilan, Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, Warren County DA Kate Hogan and the District Attorneys Association of The State of New York,” said MADD CEO Chuck Hurley.

“Every child deserves a designated driver. Driving drunk with a child in a vehicle is a form of child abuse. With the passage of Leandra’s Law, New York is taking action to protect children, save lives and prevent injuries,” said Hurley.

Research shows that first-time offenders arrested for drunk driving have driven drunk more than 87 times before their first arrest. Up to 75 percent of those whose licenses are suspended for DUI continue to drive anyway. Interlocks have been proven to reduce repeat drunk driving offenses on average by 64 percent. 

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