NEW YORK (WKBW) — The Department of Motor Vehicles proposed regulation changes in an effort to remove dangerous drives from New York State roadways.
The proposal comes after Governor Hochul's 2023 State of the State.
These proposed changes represent a multi-prolonged approach to address dangerous driving. They include the following:
- Increase the number of points associated with dangerous driving.
- Decrease the threshold at which dangerous drivers are disqualified from holding a license.
- Lower the bar for permanent license forfeiture for reckless drivers who continue to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
7 News reporter Jaurdyn Johnson went out into the community to hear from Western New Yorkers about the proposal.
Some are against it.
It doesn't make sense. It doesn't make sense at all. Plenty of things are happening in the state, and you see people take the Thruway daily for work. I see dumb people, and they are everywhere.
"So, do the relearning or whatever you have to do, but then you will be penalized for a longer period of time? That doesn't work for me."
Others say the new proposals are necessary.
"I have had people cut me off, slam their brakes on, and 9 out of 10 times they have their phone in their hands, and they wonder why they crash."
"I would be a proponent to make drivers more aware that they must obey the laws."
"The message is simple: If your actions behind the wheel put others in danger, you don’t belong in the driver’s seat. That’s why we are proposing significant and aggressive actions to protect other drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians and children. Everyone deserves to feel safe regardless of how they choose to commute or enjoy our roads," Mark J.F. Schroeder, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and Chair of the Governor Hochul Traffic Safety Committee.
For two months, the proposed changes will be open for review and comment in the New York State Register. You can find more information here.
Channel 7 wants to hear how you feel about this topic, comment your opinion in the post below:
#WNY we at @WKBW want to hear from you and how you feel about the @nysdmv proposing regulations to remove dangerous drivers from the road (lowering points associated with reckless driving, decreasing license forfeiture)
— Jaurdyn Johnson (@JaurdynJohnson) September 7, 2023
Here is what a few people told me today 👇
Chime in now! pic.twitter.com/mVXEHsavi5
