We all know that there is and has been an all out war against drinking and driving across the country. No secret here for sure. Whether you operate or are a passenger you need to care. The Child Passenger Protection Act passed on 12/18/o9 here in NY makes the offense even more serious when children under the age of 16 are in your vehicle. The law is also know as Leandra’s Law due to a very unfortunate accident that occurred October 2009 in NYC.
When this law was passed it had another component with a different time frame of implementation. On August 15, 2010 the law triggered new additions to the existing alcohol related laws. This part of the law applies whether or not a child under the age of 16 is in your car or not. It also applies to first time offenders. The long and short is offenders will have to pay to install and maintain devices that are integrated into the ignition system of the car. These devices would require the driver to essentially take a breathalyzer before the car will start. Failure to comply or circumvent the law yields more bad things for the offender or an accomplice trying to aide the offender.
You can view the particulars on the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services site. I’m sure there are other places as well. The link is http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/pio/press_releases/2010-7-20_pressrelease.html for more information.
Insurance companies are tough on alcohol related offenses as well. With the advent of Insurance Scores (credit and loss based scores that determine pricing) it is less clear as to the dollar value of the offense but the underwriting is still difficult. Many companies will not entertain the risk which forces drivers with these offenses to carriers who are comfortable with it. Those carriers also tend to charge more.
If you have or want to obtain a Personal Umbrella Liability policy alcohol related offenses can make that problematic as well.
Drinking an driving does not mix for a whole host of reasons. Leandra’s law further ups the consequences for parents, guardians, and custodians because you are reported to the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment as well.
Some stats from the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services: 311 arrests under Leandra’s law through July 10, 2010. Of that number 117 were women and 194 were men. Looks as if the counties of Erie, Westchester and Suffolk had the most activity but arrests have been made in 51 of the states 62 counties.
If you have not checked this out you should.