I am pleased that the State Senate will return to Albany and pass a measure lowering the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) level to be charged with the DWI to 0.08, as mandated by Federal Law. However, just lowering the BAC threshold is not enough. We need to pass additional state laws that target repeat drunk drivers and those with high BAC levels.

My colleagues know that research has demonstrated a strong correlation between high BAC and repeat offenders. In fact, about one-third of all DWI arrests are hardcore drunk drivers and repeat offenders. In 1999, hardcore drunk drivers accounted for 58 percent of all fatal crashes that were alcohol-related.

The Senate has passed legislation that would create new crimes for driving with extremely high BAC levels. They have also voted to revoke vehicle registrations, install ignition interlock devices and progressively increase the penalties for repeat DWI offenders.

Drunk driving has caused too much heartache and misery for our families. If the legislature is truly committed to combating drunk driving and saving lives, the Assembly must also return to Albany and vote on these additional measures.

James D. Conte

Member of Assembly

10th District