Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim December 2026, as Impaired Driving Prevention Month in the State of New York

Assembly Resolution No. 1402

BY: M. of A. Rules (Woerner)

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        December 2026, as Impaired Driving Prevention  Month
        in the State of New York

  WHEREAS,  It  is  the  custom  of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside  to  increase  awareness  of  serious
issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this  Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud  to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim December 2026, as Impaired
Driving  Prevention  Month  in the State of New York in conjunction with
National Impaired Driving Prevention Month; and

  WHEREAS,  Impaired  driving,  whether  by  alcohol,  drugs,   or   a
combination  thereof,  remains  one of the leading causes of preventable
deaths and injuries on New York's roadways; and

  WHEREAS, In the United States, someone is killed  or  injured  in  a
drunk-driving  crash  every 42 minutes; in New York State, drunk drivers
cause more than 17,000 deaths annually, which equates to 1  death  every
30 minutes; and

  WHEREAS,  The  average drunk driver has driven drunk 80 times before
their first arrest, and studies have shown  that  the  use  of  ignition
interlocks reduces recidivism by up to 70 percent in first-time, repeat,
and high-risk offenders; and

  WHEREAS,  Recent New York State drunk and drugged driving statistics
show  increasing  alcohol-related  fatalities  with  a  28%  rise   from
2019-2023; and

  WHEREAS,  Cannabis and narcotic analgesics are the most common drugs
found in impaired drivers, with rising trends in stimulants; and

  WHEREAS, Despite a decline in youth drinking, evidence suggests that
underage impaired driving is increasing; and

  WHEREAS,  According  to  the   National   Highway   Traffic   Safety
Administration  (NHTSA),  thousands  of  lives  are lost nationwide each
December in alcohol-related crashes,  a  significant  spike  during  the
holiday season; and

  WHEREAS,  Traffic  fatalities  are  growing  in  New York State with
slightly more than 30% of the fatal crashes being alcohol-related; and

  WHEREAS, New York State has a zero-tolerance policy for impaired and
reckless driving, an effort continuously  supported  by  the  Governor's
Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) and local law enforcement agencies; and

  WHEREAS,  Public  awareness  campaigns  such  as "Drive Sober or Get
Pulled Over" and the STOP-DWI  program  are  crucial  in  educating  the
public about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving; and


  WHEREAS,  Promoting  safe  alternatives, such as designating a sober
driver, using public transportation, or utilizing rideshare services can
effectively prevent these tragedies; and

  WHEREAS, This designation reaffirms New York State's  commitment  to
public  safety  and honors the victims and families affected by impaired
driving incidents; and

  WHEREAS, This Legislative Body  urges  all  New  York  residents  to
observe   this  month  by  committing  to  responsible  decision-making,
planning for a safe ride home during holiday celebrations,  and  raising
awareness  about  the  preventable dangers of impaired driving to ensure
the safety of all who share the road; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim December 2026, as Impaired
Driving Prevention Month in the State of New York; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of  New
York.