A Wrong-Way Driving Conviction May Lead to Stiffer Penalties
It is night and you are driving down a dark one-way street. Suddenly, you are blinded by the headlights of an oncoming car. This is a very frightening scene as it often results in a dangerous collision.
The State of New York Senate recently passed a bill designed to enact tougher penalties for reckless driving and create a new crime called Aggravated Reckless Driving.
Sponsored by Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., the legislation would create felony charges for wrong-way and other reckless driving.
“Wrong-way drivers and other reckless drivers repeatedly put lives at risk, and in some cases have caused tragedies,” Senator Fuschillo said. “Law enforcement needs stronger tools to prosecute wrong-way and reckless drivers and get them off the roads.
The bill would create a new section in the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law for aggravated reckless driving. The following are examples of reckless driving that would fall under the new section:
- Driving in a way that creates a grave risk of death
- Knowingly or while intoxicated driving against the flow of traffic
- Driving 30+ mph above the speed limit while intoxicated
- Travelling 30+ mph above the speed limit while racing another vehicle
- Driving 30+ mph above the speed limit and weaving in and out of traffic
Aggravated reckless driving would be a Class E felony.
The new legislation is the result of recent tragic accidents. At the end of 2010 and beginning of 2011, there were 20 incidents of wrong-way driving on Long Island. There have also been numerous fatal accidents involving wrong-way drivers in Albany and the Hudson Valley in recent years.
With stiffer penalties for reckless driving, it is recommended that you contact an aggressive New York traffic attorney who has a proven track record of assisting drivers who have received New York traffic tickets. Rosenblum Law has a team of experienced attorneys ready to assist you. Email or call 888-883-5529 today.
