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SUFFOLK COUNTY DA TIERNEY: FIX TO CLOSE DRUGGED DRIVING LOOPHOLE WAS REMOVED FROM THE BUDGET THE DEADLY DRIVING BILL MUST BE PASSED IMMEDIATELY TO SAVE LIVES
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Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney and a coalition are urging New York state legislators to pass the "Deadly Driving Bill" (A3981a/S.6485a) before the legislative session ends. The bill aims to close a dangerous loophole in current drugged driving laws that require prosecutors to specify the exact drug used, which is often impossible with new or designer drugs. This loophole hampers the ability to prosecute clearly impaired drivers, contributing to rising drugged driving fatalities.
The legislation would remove the need to list specific drugs, enabling more effective enforcement and prosecution of impaired drivers. It includes safeguards like a five-year review period, medical defenses, integration with body-worn cameras, and annual enforcement reports to ensure fairness and racial equity.
Supporters, including law enforcement, traffic safety organizations, and victims' advocates, emphasize that the bill will improve road safety, save lives, and maintain New York’s leadership in impaired driving prevention. Opponents falsely claim the bill impacts cannabis laws; however, the bill does not alter existing cannabis impairment laws. The coalition advocates for swift passage to address the growing problem of drug-impaired driving and prevent future tragedies.
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