According to the New York Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives and their spokesperson, Robert Maccarone, New York is the 10th state to require drivers to install the devices after a first offense. In step with Florida and other states, the interlock device is installed at the driver’s expense. The alcohol interlocks are leased at a monthly charge of $70 to $110, and an installation cost of zero (some are installed free) to $100. According to Mr. Maccarone, New York has an average of 25,000 drunken-driving convictions annually, of which 4,000 are in New York City.

The interlock devices, which have to be leased from one of seven state-contracted manufacturers, operate from a premise of a low tolerance for alcohol. In New York, as in Florida, the interlock will prevent the car from starting if the driver has 0.025 blood-alcohol content or more. The criminal DWI limit is 0.08. In Florida the criminal DUI is also 0.08. Some interlock units have cameras that take photos of the driver, to prevent drivers from using other people to breathe into the interlock. In New York as well as Florida, if the driver fails the breathalyzer, the horn will start beeping and it will increase to an extremely loud noise, easily heard above car radios.

The New York state Leandra’s Law, also makes it a felony to drive while intoxicated with a child under 16 in the car, was created and named as a result of the 2009 death of Leandra Rosado, killed at the hands of a drunk driver.

New York, as in Florida, drunk driving and repeat drunk driving offenders are convicted with felony charges and face serious consequences as a result of their offense. The Cove Center For Recovery, an adult addiction treatment center in Fort Lauderdale Florida, provides DUI counseling for DUI offenders and residential addiction treatment for DUI or DWI criminal charges. The Cove Center for Recovery works with New York and Florida drunk driving offenders and the court systems by offering a downward departure or diversion program in which DWI and DUI offenders can enter the residential addiction treatment program and receive the addiction therapy and help they need, in lieu of jail time served.

The Cove Center for Recovery and their diversion program is nationally recognized for its effectiveness and ability to remediate alcoholics and drunk driving offenders.

Source: The New York Times

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