Most residents in New York know and believe that the state’s laws and handling of any drunk driving case is clear and can be harsh. Strict penalties are often expected for anyone convicted of driving while intoxicated with the effects lasting many years in some cases.
New Year's holiday and drunk driving
As the 2014 holiday season is well underway, drivers in New York should pay extra attention to law enforcement patrols, especially during designated holiday dates. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration records show that the number of fatalities associated with drunk driving accidents increases significantly during these holiday times. That means that all drivers could face greater vigilance and should learn what to do if stopped by officers.
TV personality and local business owner pleads guilty to DWAI
Over the course of the past year, speeding has received a plethora of attention as the leadership of New York City has embarked on a clear mission to eliminate pedestrian deaths by the year 2020 under a program known as Vision Zero. However, speeding is not the only traffic violation upon which law enforcement is focusing. Driving while intoxicated remains an offense that can result in severe penalties for those persons convicted and often receives even more attention during the holiday times.
What is Vision Zero?
In the past year, the mayor of New York City has worked vigorously to promote what is called Vision Zero. Most New Yorkers have no doubt heard about this but it is important to have a good understanding of what it entails as it could impact people in unique ways. At its core, the Vision Zero Action Plan is a program designed to end all traffic deaths and injuries whether related to drunk driving or other factors.
Driver charged in pedestrian accident
New York drivers are well aware of the city’s increased efforts to crack down on speeding and other actions. The Vision Zero plan states directly that the goal is to eliminate all pedestrian deaths. Some things like speeding have been identified as key contributors to these incidents. However, there are also other factors which can influence such accidents and leave drivers facing serious charges, such as driving while intoxicated.
Detective convicted in DUI case
Many people in New York may have stereotypes in their minds about alleged drunk drivers. These stereotypes may not always be very positive. However, the reality is that even those in respected positions can be found intoxicated and be charged with drunk driving.
Drunk driving charges levied against two officers
The consequences that drivers face when convicted of impaired driving charges in the state of New York can span many years. Loss of driving privileges, jail time and high fines can impact defendants’ abilities to work as well as other aspects of their lives. Despite the many stereotypes that may abound regarding people charged with driving while intoxicated or related charges, no citizen is immune from such problems and even those well-regarded in the community can be arrested for drunk driving.
How ignition interlock devices work
A New York driver who is arrested for a drug- or alcohol-related driving offense can be subject to multiple forms of criminal penalties if convicted. The required use of an ignition interlock device is one such consequence. Understanding how these devices work can be important when facing such a consequence.
New database to track drug and alcohol use of commercial drivers
People who hold commercial drivers’ licenses in New York must abide by the same traffic laws that other drivers follow. In addition, they are subject to oversight from the government agency, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This organization recently announced its plans to develop a comprehensive system built around a database to track and monitor drug and alcohol use among drivers in an effort to curb drugged or drunk driving.
Two drivers cited for drunk driving in fatal crash
New York residents are well aware of the increased emphasis on speeding and pedestrian safety in the city. That, however, does not take away from any efforts to crackdown on driving while intoxicated. The penalties for a DUI conviction remain as strong today as ever. Paying steep fines, losing driving privileges, being required to use ignition interlock devices in order to drive again and even spending time in jail are all common consequences that defendants can incur if they are convicted of these types of charges.
