My Thoughts on New York Senate Bill Making DWI With Kids in Car a Felony

This week we New Yorkers learned that New York State Senator Charles Fuschillo (R - L.I.) has introduced legislation that would make it a felony to drive drunk with children in the car.  This legislation comes on the heels of the recent tragedy of the Taconic crash which left two families in shambles last month.

The bill would make driving drunk with children under 16 years old in the vehicle a class E felony punishable with 1 - 4 years jail time.

I applaud Senator Fuschillo's efforts, however my question to him is - why stop there? Why not include all passengers, not just kids under 16? 

All passengers of a drunk driver the child of someone no matter what their age. For that matter, the passenger could be a parent of a child waiting at home or day care for them.  The bill makes a distinction that anyone over the age of 16 should know better than to get into a car with someone who is drunk.  Ask yourself if you can tell someone is legally drunk 100% of the time.  It may not be possible.  There should be no distinction between the ages of any passenger.  Therefore, the bill should be expanded to include all - not just kids.

I hope this legislation is passed as it is a step in the right direction. 

Click for Senator Fuschillo's Press Release regarding his legislation.