Call for Stronger Drug-Driving Laws in New York

On Wednesday, prosecutors and law enforcement officials from the New York metropolitan area convened in Times Square to advocate for enhanced drug-driving legislation in New York. Their focus was on addressing gaps in current laws.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney led the first symposium on drug-impaired driving, urging state legislators to pass a stalled bill. This proposed legislation aims to include more substances in the list of drugs that can lead to charges similar to those for drunk driving.

“New York is among just four states that permits individuals with serious impairments to drive illegally due to medications not listed in the public health law,” Tierney noted at Touro University.

He emphasized, “This loophole allows individuals under the influence of drugs like propofol, nitrous oxide, and new synthetic substances to drive without facing consequences, regardless of their level of impairment.”

The proposed state bill seeks to adjust vehicle and traffic regulations to incorporate additional drugs alongside alcohol and opioids. However, it won’t include all substances that might impair driving.

The impact of this legal gap was felt by the family of Stephen McDermott, 31, who was killed in 2019 by a driver under the influence of drugs not classified as impairing. The driver escaped prosecution for drunk driving.

Michael McDermott, Stephen’s brother, expressed frustration about their family’s experience. “We believe both the system and the country have let us down,” he stated. “This driver had a history of arrests for drug use while driving, yet nothing was done because of the substances he was taking.”

Jawana Richardson, a Hempstead resident, shared her grief over losing her husband, Sherman, in 2014 due to a driver impaired by drugs and alcohol who fled. She remarked on her unusual situation, noting that, “I am among the few who found justice; that’s not the norm.”

Organizers pointed out that many never receive such justice.

Manhattan prosecutor Alvin Bragg, who participated in the symposium, remarked, “This isn’t just a Long Island issue. It’s not confined to upstate or city areas. This is a statewide challenge.”

Bragg cited a case where a pedestrian was killed by a drugged driver in Times Square, insisting that the absence of criminal charges based on whether a drug is listed or not is unacceptable.

The symposium also included State Representative Steve Stern and State Senator Chris Ryan.