New York Injury Lawyer Blog

A New York nursing home neglect case filed against a Brooklyn nursing home by the family of a 76-year-old patient found with more than 20 bedsores has resulted in $19 million jury award.

The jury award is believed to be the first in the state against a nursing home that includes punitive damages, Fox News reported.

At Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool, our New York City nursing home abuse lawyers encourage everyone to help police a system that is increasingly crowded, underfunded and understaffed. If you suspect a friend or loved one is being neglected or mistreated, contact the New York City nursing home neglect and abuse attorneys at Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your concerns.

Nationwide, there are 1.8 million nursing home beds in 17,000 nursing home facilities but an aging population will continue to stress the system. In New York City alone, an estimated 1.2 million residents are over the age of 60 - half a million are older than 75, according to the New York City Department for the Aging.

In this case, the daughter of the man pulled her father from the nursing home after just nine months, claiming he had lost almost 100 pounds and was covered in bedsores.

He died in another nursing home six months later as a result of an infection from the bedsores, according to court testimony.

After two days of deliberation, a Brooklyn jury found the Cypress Hills facility delivered substandard care. Fox News reported that the panel awarded $3.75 million for pain and suffering and $15 million in punitive damages based in part on the allegation that the home attempted to cover up the neglect.

The case alleged that the home restrained the victim, who suffered from Alzheimer's, to keep him from wandering off but then left him unattended for long periods.

Another daughter of the victim said the family chose the nursing home because it was the only facility with beds available when they realized he could no longer live on his own.

The New York State Department of Health offers information for families choosing a nursing home. Click here to learn more.

Continue reading "Brooklyn nursing home neglect case results in $19 million jury verdict" »

Recently rated one of the worst bridges in Queens, at least one city Councilman is calling on Amtrak to rehabilitate Hell Gate Bridge after the latest safety incident in which a five-foot piece of debris fell into an Astoria backyard.

The New York City personal injury lawyers and wrongful death attorneys at Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool represent clients who have been serious injured or killed by defective roads and bridges in New York.

The Queens Gazette reported that Councilman Peter F. Vallone Jr. has made it a point since taking office to write numerous letters highlighting problems on the bridge, which has been rated the worst in Queens.

In this case, the Queens Gazette reported a longtime Astoria resident called Vallone's office after the five-foot chunk of bridge landed in her yard; the woman even reported she has set up a gazebo in the summer to protect herself from falling objects.

The New York state Department of Transportation recently gave the Hell Gate Bridge the lowest rating in its scoring system after reviewing every bridge in Queens.

The New York Times reported this fall that New York ranked low -- 43rd of the 50 states -- for its poor road conditions, according to a study released in June by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

"The bridges and roads all have varying states of deteriorating conditions -- whether it's poor pavement or falling concrete," said Denise Richardson, managing director of the General Contractors Association of New York. "There's a need for the state to make systematic investments in the road and bridge program."

The 10 worst New York City roads and bridges, as compiled by the General Contractor's Association of New York, include:

•Kosciuszko Bridge
•Gowanus Expressway
•Bronx River Parkway over the Amtrak tracks
•Cross Bronx Expressway viaduct over the Amtrak tracks and the Sheridan Expressway
•Bronx Terminal viaduct carrying the Major Deegan Expressway by Yankee Stadium
•Major Deegan Expressway over Sedgwick Avenue and the Metro-North Railroad tracks
•Bruckner Expressway Service road, northbound
•Bruckner Boulevard viaduct
•150th Street over the Belt Parkway
•Major Deegan Expressway ramp to 153rd Street/Cromwell Avenue, southbound

Connecticut and New Jersey follow at 44th and 50th, respectively.

Nationally, more than a quarter of bridges are deemed structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Continue reading "Queens bridge labeled a safety hazard; New York City road defects can lead to serious accidents" »

Premature infants and babies born at very low birth rates have an increased risk of behavioral problems and other mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, according to a study published in the January edition of the journal Pediatrics and reported by ABC News.

The finding is significant because, as the New York City birth injury lawyers at Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool reported earlier this fall on New York Injury Lawyer blog, 1 in 8 babies in the United States are born prematurely. Despite medical advances, the U.S. continues to have one of the highest rates of infant mortality in the developed world.

Premature birth and birth injury can be the result of a failure by medical professionals to properly manage pregnancy and identify and treat complications. As this report suggests, damage caused by premature birth is not always readily apparent. A free consultation with a New York City medical malpractice attorney can help protect the rights of you and your family.

As survival rates have increased over the years for very preterm newborns, medical studies have continued to uncover potential long-term medical complications, including lower IQ and higher rates of behavioral problems.

This study found nearly half the premature children studied --49 of 104 children ages 7 to 16-years-old -- had higher rates of hyperactivity and attention problems, as well as symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Neither lower IQ scores nor a families' socioeconomic status were found to be important factors in a child's odds of behavioral or emotional issues. Instead, birth weight itself was the strongest factor, the researchers report in the January edition of the journal Pediatrics.

The finding "suggests that in children born prematurely, behavioral issues might be more biologically based and not easily compensated for by improvements in the environment," explained lead researcher Dr. Amy L. Conrad, of the University of Iowa College of Medicine in Iowa City.

It's possible that very low birth weight affected some children's brain development in a way that made them more vulnerable to behavioral problems. Conrad said that the aim of her team's future research is to help answer that question.

Continue reading "New York City birth injury lawyers note study links premature birth to behavioral problems" »

An increase of more than 3 million travelers is expected this holiday season, according to a CNN report of a survey taken by the American Automobile Association.

The New York City car accident lawyers at Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool urge motorists to allow plenty of time for weather and heavy traffic, especially when traveling in an unfamiliar area.

Earlier this month, we posted tips for safe winter driving on our New York Injury Lawyer blog.

Also, keep in mind that vehicles involved in New York City pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents are responsible for a substantial number of traffic fatalities within the city.

Holiday travel is expected to jump 3.8% compared to last year, an increase of more than 3 million travelers compared to the 2008 season, AAA said.

Experts pin the increase in travel on an improving economy and a strong desire by many to put economic worries behind them, if only for a few days with friends and family.

"High unemployment and reduced discretionary income will continue to keep some would-be travelers at home, but this year many consumers appear to be focused on controlling costs rather than scrapping trips," said the AAA, in its report.

A total of 87.7 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the 12-day period from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3, up from 84.5 million in 2008, according to AAA.

The vast majority -- about 88% -- will drive, while 5% will fly and the remainder will travel by other means, including train and bus.

Continue reading "Holiday travel brings increased risk of New York City car accidents" »

Federal, state and local authorities have launched the "Over the Limit. Under Arrest" campaign, a multi-million media campaign supported by an increase in sobriety checkpoints and other enforcement efforts to reduce drunk driving through the holidays.

The New York City car accident lawyers and drunk driving accident attorneys at Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool urge motorists to keep safety in mind and celebrate responsibly.

Nationwide, almost one-third of fatal traffic accidents involve a drunk driver. Of the 27,261 people killed in traffic accidents last year, 11,773 fatal traffic accidents involved a drunk driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In New York, 341 of the 1,231 traffic deaths last year involved a drunk driver. That is down from 2007, whent 377 drunk drivers were involved in 1,332 fatal crashes in New York.

"Drunk driving is a major public safety threat that still claims thousands of lives every year," U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. "Many states continue to step up their efforts to get drunk drivers off our roads, but the numbers tell us we have to do more. Drinking and driving is dangerous and unacceptable, and I'm asking law enforcement to stay vigilant during this busy holiday season."

According to the NHTSA data, five states have shown reductions in alcohol-impaired driving fatality rates from 2007 to 2008. Those include Vermont, Wisconsin, Maine, Nebraska and Minnesota.

The states with the least progress are Idaho, Rhode Island, Wyoming, Kansas and New Hampshire.

While New York saw a reduction in both fatalities and alcohol related traffic deaths, its 10.7 percent decrease in the overall drunk-driving-fatality rate ranked it 28th of 50 states.

Driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher is illegal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. However, authorities will also be looking for drivers under the influence of drugs.

"Like alcohol, drugs impair perception, judgment, motor skills and memory. These effects can be dangerously magnified when drugs are consumed with alcohol, even in cases where a driver's blood alcohol level is below legal limits," said R. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. "Driving while impaired, from alcohol, drugs, or both, puts us all at risk and must be prevented."

In addition to the increased danger of a drunk driving accident during the holidays, federal research has consistently shown an increase in fatal alcohol-related traffic accidents at night, particularly on the weekend.

"My message to drivers is this: if you decide to drink, find a safe and sober ride home or your chances of arrest are extremely high," said Secretary LaHood. "Law enforcement officers will be out in full force during the upcoming holiday, especially at night and on the weekends, looking for the drunk drivers that put the rest of us at risk."

Mothers Against Drunk Driving's Tie One On for Safety campaign joins the call for responsible celebration during the month of December, which is National Drunk Driving Prevention Month.

The campaign encourages motorists to tie a red ribbon on their antenna or display a window decal as a pledge to drive safe, sober and buckled up during the holidays.

MADD encourages the following safety tips:

-Designate a sober driver before celebrations begin.
-Never serve alcohol to those under the age of 21.
-Plan safe parties, including providing non-alcoholic drink options to guests; don't serve alcohol during the last your of a gathering.
-Be prepared to get everyone home safe in case your plans or individual circumstances change.

Continue reading "Campaign to prevent holiday drunk driving accidents begins in New York City and across the nation" »

At least five to 10 incorrect surgical procedures are performed each day in the United States, some to devastating effect, according to a study by the Veteran's Administration, reported in U.S. News & World Report.

The New York City medical malpractice lawyers at Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool know the results of a surgical error can be devastating. Cases of surgical complication in New York City often result in the tragic injury or death of a patient.

The most common reasons for surgical error include lack of communication and typically involve the performance of incorrect procedures, surgeries performed on the wrong site, on the wrong side of the body, or on the wrong patient.

The study, conducted by the U.S. Veteran's Administration, comes in the wake of a 2003 set of Administration directives meant to minimize the chances of surgical error.

"Up until today, I can tell you, we have not had any reports where people have followed the procedures as they're written and ever had one of these problems," said lead researcher Dr. James P. Bagian, director of the VA National Center for Patient Safety.

The report is published in the November issue of the Archives of Surgery.

Bagian's group reviewed 342 surgical problems from 130 VA hospitals. Problems were identified as those happening in the operating room and those happening outside the operating room.

The study looked at 212 "adverse events," where the wrong patient was operated on or the wrong procedure was performed. Addtionally, there were 130 "close calls," where a problem was recognized before the procedure was done.

The study found 21 percent of the surgical errors were caused by poor communication among the surgical team. Of the adverse events, about half occurred in the operating room and half occurred elsewhere.

The most adverse event reports were in ophthalmology and invasive radiology (21.2 percent). Orthopedics accounted for the second highest rate of problems in the operating room.

The most harm was caused by pulmonary cases where fluid was removed from the wrong side of the chest or the procedure was done at an incorrect place on the chest, the researchers said.

Dr. Jeffrey M. Rothschild, an associate physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School, said the findings are unsettling because the VA has a better program than most and the rate of surgical error is probably higher at other medical facilities.

"The VA system is better and more advanced. Our systems are still not robust enough to prevent human error from slipping through," he said. "The VA is probably less of an issue, because they were one of the first systems to really take on safety."

Continue reading "Surgical error an ongoing threat to patients in New York City and at hospitals nationwide" »

A federal judge has appointment a former prosecutor to investigate allegations of corruption in the union that represents most heavy equipment and crane operators in New York City.

The New York Times reported that supporters of the appointment hope to eliminate what they say has been decades of corruption and abuse of the system.

The New York City crane accident lawyers and construction accident attorneys at Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool continue to follow developments in the troubled New York City crane industry, which has been involved in several high-profile fatal accidents in recent years.

The Times reported that much remains uncertain for the 1,600-member union, which traditionally has wielded substantial power because of the ability of its tower crane operators to shut down high-rise construction projects.

In addition to the racketeering cases, two tower crane accidents last year left nine people dead and brought greater scrutiny to crane operations and licensing. Since then, there have been allegations that union officials helped unqualified operators obtain crane licenses.

Those accidents, which claimed the lives of New York City construction workers, civilians and tourists, also resulted in criminal charges, including the arrest of a building inspector accused of lying about conducting safety inspections.

Crane operators are required to be licensed separately through the city and receive one of three types of crane licenses depending on what type of crane they are permitted to operate.The New York City Building Department licenses more than 1,700 crane operators.

Data from the U.S. Census of Fatal Occupational Injury identified 632 deaths involving cranes from 1992 and 2006 - an average of 42 deaths per year. The majority of the deaths were caused by truck cranes, followed by overhead or gantry cranes, tower cranes and floating or barge cranes.

Continue reading "Prosecutor appointed in ongoing probe of New York City crane industry" »

The longer a patient spends in the Intensive Care Unit, the greater the risk of developing serious infection, The New York Times reported.

Hospital infections can lead to serious medical complications and even death. The New York City medical malpractice lawyers at Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool, fight for the rights of patients suffering from avoidable hospital infections. Infections can be caused by a hospital's negligence, surgical complications or failure to manage patient care.

The study was published in the Dec. 2 edition of The Journal of the American Medical Association.

The study surveyed more than 13,000 patients in 1,200 noncardiac intensive care units in 75 countries on a single day. Of the 51 percent of patients found to be infected, the most common infections were of the lung. Seventy-one percent were being treated with antimicrobial agents. One in four of those patients died, compared to just one in 10 of patients without infection.

"We've spent a lot of money on hand-washing campaigns," said Dr. Opal, an infectious disease expert at Brown University medical school who write an editorial accompanying the article. "These have had some impact but haven't changed the trajectory of the problem."

The longer a patient spent in an intensive care unit, the greater the risk of infection. Patients in I.C.U. for a day or less had a 32 percent chance of infection, compared to a 70 percent risk for those who had been hospitalized in intensive care for a week or longer.

The study concluded that Infections are common in patients in modern intensive care units; the risk of infection increases with duration of ICU stay; and infection was independently associated with an increased risk of hospital death.

Continue reading "New York City medical malpractice attorneys note risk of fatal infections in hospital intensive care units" »

Winter increases the risks of New York City fall injuries, sidewalk accidents and other fall situations. Falls can be particularly dangerous for older people and are the leading cause of accidental death for the elderly. This month, the New York Department of Health is urging fall prevention and safety education.

The New York fall injury lawyers and the personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool fight for the rights of people injured in falls. Fall injuries, particularly among seniors, can limit independence and lead to serious health complications.

"As people age, one of their biggest concerns is losing the ability to live independently," said Health Commissioner Richard Daines. "Fall-related injuries in older adults often lead to hospitalizations, beginning the downward spiral that can result in long-term disability or death. It's important that older adults and their families learn the simple steps to reduce the risk for fall-related injuries."

Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and hospital visits for New Yorkers 65 and older. On average, two seniors die and 350 are treated in hospitals for fall injuries every day in New York.

Each year, 900 New Yorkers aged 65 years and older will die due to a fall, and more than 125,000 will be injured severely enough to require hospital treatment. Nationwide, more than 15,000 senior adults are killed and almost 2 million seriously injured in falls, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury. Broken bones and joints, including knees, hips and wrists, are also common injuries suffered in falls.

"Fall-related injuries in older adults are a major public health problem," said Susan Hardman, Director of the New York State Health Department's Bureau of Injury Prevention. "As baby boomers age, we likely will see a significant increase in these injuries. Fortunately, there are simple strategies for reducing the risk of falling."

To reduce your risk:

•Improve strength and balance by following a simple physical activity program.
•Have your health care provider review medications for potential side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness.
•Have your vision checked; make sure prescriptions are correct and get checked for serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma or cataracts.
•Assess your home for safety, and make the necessary modifications. Common home hazards include:
◦Clutter in walkways and on stairs causing tripping.
◦Slippery or inconsistent flooring surfaces causing falls.
◦Poor or inadequate lighting.
◦Pets and pet-related objects on the floor.
◦Lack of stair railings or grab bars.
◦Lack of easy access to bathrooms and rugs without no-skid backing.

However, when a person is injured on business or other property -- because of wet, slippery or uneven floors; dangerous parking lots or sidewalks; faulty stairwells and handrails; or other hazards -- a New York City premise liability attorney may be able to help them seek compensation for their injuries.

More information about fall prevention in older adults is available on the DOH Web site at www.nyhealth.gov/prevention/injury_prevention

Continue reading "New York City fall accidents: Injury prevention for older adults in focus" »

Reviewing safe winter driving tips and being properly prepared for winter weather can reduce the chances of being involved in a serious or fatal New York car accident this winter.

The New York City car accident lawyers at Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool know winter driving increases the risk of New York traffic accidents; not only do you have ice and snow to deal with, but darkened commutes and fewer hours of daylight also contribute to winter traffic accidents.

The New York State Department of Transportation offers the following safety tips:

Vehicle Maintenance:
-Check battery, brakes, exhaust system, lights, wiper blades and tires.
-Keep the washer reservoir full.
-Check your antifreeze.
-Always maintain at least a half a tank of gas.
-Pay particular attention to tires; never combine radial and non-radial tires. For front-wheel vehicles, it's best to put snow tires or all-season tires on all four wheels, not just the front.

Visibility:
-Clear your windows, wipers, roof and the rest of your vehicle of snow before you start driving.
-Make sure your headlights and taillights are clear.
-Drive with your headlights on. It's the law.

Pack a survival kit:
Include a flashlight, extra batteries, cell phone, jumper cables, tow cable, sand or other material for traction, shovel, snow brush, blankets, hat, gloves and boots and other safety gear.

Plan Ahead:
-Plan your route.
-Allow plenty of time.
-Advise others of your travel route and planned arrival time.

Share the Road:
-Allow at least eight car lengths behind a snow plow.
-Do not shovel or blow snow from driveways or walkways onto the roadway.

If Stranded:
-Stay in your vehicle if possible.
-Call 911 if possible.
-Tie a piece of bright fabric to your antenna.
-Run engine periodically for heat and light.
-Periodically clear snow from exhaust pipe to prevent backup of carbon monoxide.
-Keep warm.
-Leave one window slightly open for fresh air.

If you skid:
-Brake carefully and gently on snow and ice.
-Allow the wheels to keep rolling and ease off the brake if they start to lock up.
-Remember that bridges, ramps and overpasses are likely to freeze first.
-Remember that slippery spots are likely to remain even on cleared roads.

Click here for additional information about dealing with skids in winter weather.

Continue reading "Winter weather increases risk of New York City car accidents" »

Most of us bring more new products into our homes during the Holiday Season than at any other time of the year. Consumer advocacy groups continue to publish holiday recall reports and consumers should be mindful of the dangers new products can pose in the home.

Companies have an obligation to ensure their products are safe and can be held responsible when someone is injured or killed by a defective product. The New York City defective product lawyers and the wrongful death attorneys at Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool urge parents to pay particular attention to the toys given to their children this holiday season.

The 24th Annual "Trouble in Toyland: Survey of Toy Safety," by the U.S. Public Interest Research Groups, reported the government recalled 45 million toys in 2007 and identified the following common toy safety hazards:

Choking: At least 196 children have died from choking or asphyxiating on a toy part since 1990. Some 5.3 million toys and children's products were pulled from shelves in 2009 because of choking hazards; small parts were commonly found on toys for children under 3, despite laws aimed at preventing such choking hazards.

Loud Toys: Almost 15 percent of children ages 6 to 17 show signs of hearing loss; some toys currently on store shelves may not meet noise standards in place to prevent hearing loss.

Lead in Toys: Lead continues to be found in toys, despite strict safety standards. Lead exposure can affect almost every organ in the body, especially the central nervous system, and is especially toxic to the brains of young children.

Last year, 19 children died as a result of toy-related injury and more than 82,000 children under the age of 5 visited emergency rooms, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

And the dangers defective products pose to children is not limited to toys.

Last week, 2.1 million Stork Craft Cribs were recalled. The cribs were manufactured as far back as 1993, including nearly 150,000 with the Fisher-Price logo, according to U.S. News and World Report. Four infant suffocations have been reported in North America, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which has received 110 reports of drop-sides detaching from the cribs.

Parents with the cribs should stop using them until they receive a free repair kit from Stork Craft Manufacturing. To order the free repair kit, phone Stork Craft 877-274-0277 or go to the company's Web site.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission maintains a list of recalled consumer products.

Continue reading "Defective products a holiday hazard" »

More than 100 supporters rallied at New York City Hall this month, urging council to pass the Student Safety Act. The measure is aimed at adding transparency to safety policies and procedures within the New York City's public schools.

Parents have a right to expect safety within the school system. A New York City injury lawyer can help determine your rights in the wake of a child's injury on school property, whether by student or staff assault, playground injury or other school injury.

The Student Safety Act was introduced in August 2008 and is cosponsored by 33 council members. Since 1998, more than 5,000 school safety agents and at least 200 armed police officers have been assigned to the city's public schools, according to an article published by the New York Civil Liberties Union.

Supporters of the safety act contend the safety force costs $88 million per year and is now larger than all but four of the nation's police forces. They claim safety agents are provided with little or no training or guidance and are perhaps disproportionately punitive in schools serving some of the city's poorest neighborhoods.

The zero-tolerance policies are pushing a disproportionately higher number of minority youth and students with disabilities from the school system and into the criminal justice system, according to those pushing for more disclosure and safeguards.

"A clear majority of City Council members agree: It's finally time to pass the Student Safety Act," New York Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Donna Lieberman said. "This important civil rights legislation will shed much-needed light on police practices in our schools. It is a good first step toward establishing school safety procedures that promote learning instead of intimidation, unwarranted arrests and suspensions."

The act would require quarterly reporting to city council by the Department of Education and NYPD. The NYCLU reports the data has been requested for years through the Freedom of Information Law but disclosure has been resisted.

"How unfortunate that a mayor who prides himself on making data driven decisions withholds information on this sensitive topic from those responsible for oversight," said Robert Jackson, chair of the New York City Council's Education Committee. " This leaves the public without the full story. The Student Safety Act will compel the Department of Education to open the window and let us see into the schoolhouse."

The NYPD reports that it receives approximately 1,200 complaints a year about police misconduct in schools.

Continue reading "New York City school injuries, enforcement policies up for debate at City Hall" »

New York signaled the start of the holiday driving season by signing into law one of the nation's toughest pieces of anti-drunk driving legislation.

The new law, signed the day before Thanksgiving, makes it a felony to drive intoxicated with a child in the car and requiring all first-time DUI offenders to install interlock devices that will prevent them from operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

The New York City car accident lawyers and drunk driving accident attorneys at Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool urge everyone to enjoy the holidays responsibly and designate a driver. Each year, Mothers Against Drunk Driving estimates more than 1,000 people die between Thanksgiving and New Year's in drunk driving crashes.

Nationwide, as many as 1 in 3 fatal crashes is caused by a drunk driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

New York joins Arizona as the only states to allow drivers to be charged with a felony for driving while intoxicated with a child passenger, according to The New York Times. The state is now one of a dozen to install ignition interlocks on the cars of first-time offenders, which test a driver's breath for alcohol before allowing the vehicle to start.

"Too often drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs chose to compromise not only their own lives, but also the lives of our children. Today we say enough," Gov. Paterson said in signing the law.The state Senate passed the bill on a 58-0 vote Wednesday afternoon, and it was passed in the state Assembly on Tuesday.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving hailed state lawmakers' passage of the legislation.

"New York's child endangerment, interlock, and self-sufficiency laws make it the model for the nation," said Chuck Hurley, CEO of MADD National.

MADD reports 341 people died in drunk driving related crashes in New York last year and more than 4,000 people in New York have been killed in drunk driving crashes during the past decade.

Under the measure, drivers convicted of being drunk while carrying passengers 15 years or younger could face up to four years in prison. Courts in New York convicted 37,695 people for drunken driving last year, and across the country people who drink and drive kill about 13,000 people a year.

Figures collected in 2007 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, found 146,000 ignition interlocks were in use in the United States, even though 1.4 million people were convicted of drunken driving.

Continue reading "New York passes one of the toughest DUI laws in the nation in effort to reduce drunk driving accidents" »