April 23, 2013

Carpino Votes for Harsher Drunk Driving Penalties with Kids in Vehicle

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HARTFORD- In an effort to keep Connecticut families safe, State Representative Christie Carpino (Cromwell and Portland) co-sponsored a bill in the Judiciary Committee to toughen existing drunken driving law. HB-6701 includes stiffer penalties for driving under the influence with children under the age of 16 in a vehicle.

H.B. 6701- An Act Concerning Child Endangerment While Operating a Motor Vehicle While Under The Influence of Intoxicating Liquor or Drugs, is based on New York State’s 2009 Leandrea’s Law. That law was named for 11-year-old who was killed after the vehicle she was riding in, operated by a woman allegedly under the influence of alcohol, flipped over on the Henry Hudson Parkway.

Over the last year Connecticut has seen a proliferation of these types of crimes. In New London tests revealed a woman was driving drunk and that her blood alcohol content was more than three times the legal limit of .08. She had a five year old child in the backseat of the car.

Last November, another incident involved a drunk driver who was taking her two young children trick or treating.

“There is no excuse for drinking and driving anytime but doing so with children in the vehicle is inexcusable. This law has the potential to save Connecticut’s children. A person should not get a slap on the wrist for committing a DUI that endangers children,” said Rep. Carpino.

The proposed bill states: That the general statutes be amended to increase the penalty for any person who (1) operates a motor vehicle under the influence of intoxicating liquor while a child under the age of sixteen years is a passenger in such motor vehicle, or (2) while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of intoxicating liquor, causes the serious physical injury or death of a child under the age of sixteen years.

There have been 311 arrests under New York’s Leandra’s Law reported through July 10, 2010.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for a full floor debate.

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