Assemblywoman Woerner’s Bill Strengthens DWI Law, Keeps Our Roads Safe
During this year’s Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 19-25), Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake) held a press conference with Senator Jeremy Cooney and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to urge the passage of her life-saving bill (A.2703-A) which strengthens regulations for court-ordered Ignition Interlock Devices. Supporting organizations in attendance included, AAA Northeast, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and New York Insurance Association.
“We know Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) reduce the number of repeat Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) offenders and help keep our streets safe for our families,” said Woerner. “My bill would close an existing loophole related to the installation of an IID for someone convicted of a DWI offense.
Woerner’s legislation would require individuals ordered to install an IID to provide proof of installation, maintenance and regular use before regaining their driving privileges. It would also prevent offenders from “waiting out” the IID mandate before driving again. Combined with treatment, such as group therapy, IIDs have been found to reduce the recidivism rate by about 70%, according to the American Bar Association.1
“Drunk driving takes lives, Ignition Interlock Devices save lives,” said Sen. Cooney. “I want to thank MADD for their tireless advocacy and Assemblywoman Woerner and our partners in government for working to strengthen our laws around these devices. When we keep drunk drivers off our roads, we save lives and keep families whole.