Relates to aggravated leaving the scene of an incident without reporting

1 Co-sponsor

• Patrick M. Gallivan

BILL NUMBER:S4747

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to aggravated leaving the scene of an incident without reporting

Purpose or general idea of bill

To deter drivers from leaving the scene of personal injury and fatal accidents.

Summary of specific provisions

The bill creates the new crime "aggravated leaving the scene of an incident without reporting." A person would be guilty of this new crime if he or she engaged in reckless driving and left the scene of an accident resulting in death or serious physical injury either while knowing or having reason to know that his or her license is suspended or revoked for leaving the scene or for driving while intoxicated (DWI) or while ability impaired (DWAI), or had a prior conviction for leaving the scene or for DWI/DWAI. This new crime would be a class C felony.

Justification

New York State is experiencing an epidemic of leaving the scene accidents where the outcome has been serious physical injury and death: In Suffolk County alone in 2012, 13 fatalities can be attributed to an individual leaving the scene of an incident without reporting. The crime is particularly egregious since a severely injured person's chance of survival is greatly diminished when medical care is delayed.

Prior legislative history

2014: A.7315-D

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of November next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law and shall apply to violations occurring on and after such date.