ATLANTA (August 19, 2009) – Sen. Gail Buckner (D-Morrow) has offered her legislation, which cracks down on drivers who transport children while under the influence, to New York Governor David Paterson to use as a model while he works to pass stricter penalties in his own state.
Sen. Buckner sponsored the 1992 legislation that added a separate child endangerment offense to DUI convictions. In addition to receiving a DUI, anyone transporting a child under the age of 14 may also be found guilty of child endangerment. Under these stiffer penalties, offenders could face up to 20 years in prison if an alcohol-related crash results in the serious injury or death of a young passenger.
“Children are powerless over any adult who tells them to get into a car. An adult who drives while intoxicated should be stopped under any circumstances, but certainly when children are involved,” said Sen. Buckner. “I applaud Governor Paterson for championing this issue to protect the children of his state, just as we have done here in Georgia. Adding the charge of child endangerment to a DUI conviction is necessary to help irresponsible adults correct their dangerous behavior.”
Earlier this week, Gov. Paterson unveiled legislation to target anyone who drives under the influence with passengers younger than 17. Under current New York law, violators are charged with a misdemeanor, which this bill elevates to a felony. As part of the stiffer penalties, first time offenders would be required to install a device in their car that would prevent them from starting the vehicle if they are under the influence. A repeat offender could receive up to 25 years of jail time if a child dies as a result of an alcohol-related crash.
In 2004, 21 percent of children under 15 years old who were killed in car crashes were killed in alcohol-related crashes. Georgia has been ranked by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as one of the top ten states with the highest rate of DUI crash-related fatalities.
Sen. Buckner hopes that sharing her legislation with Gov. Paterson will help the New York legislature craft an effective policy that protects children and drivers across the state from unnecessary harm.
Sen. Gail Buckner represents the 44th Senate District, which includes portions of Clayton and Henry counties. She can be reached by phone at 404.463.5260 or email at gail.buckner@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
August 19, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Kallarin Richards, Senior Communications Specialist
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028