Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. announced that the New York State Senate recently passed legislation he sponsored increasing penalties for repeat alcohol and drug related driving offenses.

According to Senator Fuschillo, his legislation would increase fines for any person convicted of DWI twice within 10years up to $2,500, from $1,000, under current law. Also, any person committing a third or subsequent DWI violation within 10 years would have his or her license permanently revoked. This person may be eligible, at the discretion of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, to have their license reinstated as permanently probationary only after 10 years have passed since the third violation.

Marge Lee, MADD Long Island board member and New York State public policy liaison, praised Senator Fuschillo's initiative and the New York Senate's positive action. "This bill is not just about punishment," said Ms. Lee. "It is a major step toward stopping repeat offenders, and deter those who refuse to recognize the deadly consequences of drinking and driving."

"According to Department of Motor Vehicles arrest records, in 1999, 52 percent of persons convicted of DWI in New York State had DWAI While Ability Impaired) or DWI convictions in the previous 10 years," said Senator Fuschillo, member of the Senate Transportation Committee. "Nationwide, statistics reveal that on average one-third of all drivers arrested for DWI are repeat offenders and have an average Blood Alcohol Content Level of .18."

"According to a recent survey, the average DWI offender has driven drunk approximately 130 times without getting caught," said Senator Fuschillo. "This legislation takes the steps necessary to rid our roadways of those who repeatedly drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol and disregard and endanger the lives of others."