Ahead of the busy summer travel season, New York State Senator James Skoufis has introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at tamping down on drunken driving.
The first, S.6189, would prevent future relicensing of drivers who have been twice convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) where personal injury has occurred. The second, S.2756, would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue non-driver IDs to those individuals who’ve had their licenses suspended, either for DWI-related infractions or otherwise.
Statewide, more than 17,000 deaths occur annually as a result of drunken driving. By closing existing loopholes in state law that allow demonstrably dangerous drivers back on the road, countless New York families will be protected. Allowing these drivers to obtain non-driver identification if and when a license suspension occurs will enable them to complete day-to-day tasks like banking, shopping, or non-driver travel.
“With summer vacations looming and more families getting out on the roads, New Yorkers need to know that lawmakers are acting to keep them safe,” said Skoufis. “This legislation simultaneously prevents future injury or death at the hands of a drunk driver while ensuring these drivers are reasonably able to perform daily tasks that require legal identification.”
