NY Governor Wants to Raise Penalties for DWI When Kids Are in Vehicle
An arrest for DWI in Texas with a passenger under the age of 15 is a state felony. The penalties are the same as a third conviction for Texas DWI and can include jail time and up to $10,000 in fines. Following a horrific auto accident in New York that left 8 dead, including four small children, that state is looking to strengthen their laws and make them more in line with the child endangerment penalties of Texas.
Gov. David Patterson of NY has called for new laws increasing the penalties for driving while intoxicated with children in the vehicle. Patterson proposed the legislation following the recent accident involving Diane Schuler who allegedly was intoxicated while driving the wrong-way on major hghway. She ended up striking another vehicle, killing a total of eight people, including her daughter and three nieces.
Under current New York DWI law, motorists caught for drunk driving with a child in the vehicle are charged with a misdemeanor. Patterson wants to make the offense a felony subject to up to four years in jail.
According to Patterson’s office, in 2007 there were 9,480 alcohol related accidents in New York, resulting in nearly 200 deaths or injuries to those under the age of 14. Thirty-five other states have child endangerment laws with increased penalties for DWI violators.
