Did you know that New York State has a loophole that fails to punish drugged driving offenders? Here in New York State, a driver who is impaired by drugs will only be charged if the drug is named and on a list of drugs. The drug must be named and on this list before the arrest of a drug impaired driver.
Unfortunately, repeat offenders with dangerous driving histories get to walk away free after horrific crashes.
One of these horrific crashes occurred in Massapequa, a hamlet on Long Island. In this crash, a father and his three children were killed by a driver who was high on cocaine and fetanyl. Prosecutors were able to show that the impaired driver was high. However, the offender could not be charged because his blood was tested before his arrest. The offender did plead guilty.
But, what happens for cases in which there are no witnesses and no video?
Advocates are looking to have legislators pass more strict laws to keep dangerous drug impaired drivers off the roads.
What can you do as a motorist and community member? Reach out to your NYS representative and let them know how important it is to keep dangerous drugged drivers off the New York’s roadways.
