Schumer Reveals: Drunk Driving-Related Deaths Are Steadily Increasing Throughout New York State; Senator Calls For Immediate Action To Stop The Alarming Trend, By Protecting $7 Million In NY Funding For the "Stop-DWI" Campaign, Which Is Set To Expire In July

Press Release

On a conference call with reporters, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today revealed drunk driving-related deaths are steadily increasing throughout New York State. With July 4th just around the corner, Senator Schumer called for immediate action to help curb the alarming uptick in the number of drunk driving-related deaths, by urging the Senate Commerce Committee to protect and prioritize $7 million in funding for the New York State "STOP-DWI" campaign. Furthermore, Schumer highlighted that without intervention the critical funding will expire in July, and with the already alarming increase in drunk driving-related deaths, New York efforts to prevent drunk driving could be greatly diminished.

"With summer weekends and July 4th right around the corner, now is the time to buckle up against drunk driving. New York State's "STOP-DWI' program is one of the most effective in the country because it pairs prevention efforts with law enforcement activities, but it is currently in jeopardy because it relies heavily on federal funding that is set to expire this summer. Without its annual funding of $7 million, this worthwhile New York State program could cease to exist, or at the very least have to reduce its efforts, at a time when we need it most. We should extend and increase this critical funding, simply because it helps curb this deadly trend and save lives," said Senator Schumer.

"Drunk driving is a violent crime that kills 10,000 people across the nation every year," said Colleen Sheehey-Church, National President of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. "MADD urges continued funding for anti-DWI efforts to help prevent the devastating loss and pain caused by the selfish choice to drive drunk, and appreciates Senator Schumer's attention to this issue. "

Schumer said that with July 4th weekend on the horizon, state and local law enforcement are expecting an increased risk of drunk driving-related accidents and fatalities. Schumer said what is even more alarming is the numbers of impaired driving-related deaths has steadily increased in recent years despite the fact that cars are now safer than ever. Between 2009 and 2013, drunk driving-related fatalities increased in New York by 14 percent. In 2011, the number of total deaths in New York State was 328; in 2012, 344; and in 2013, 362.

Source