Politics & Government

Stern Co-Sponsors Bill To Up Hit-And-Run Penalties

If approved, legislation would allow law enforcement to seize vehicles involved in an accident.

Two Suffolk County lawmakers are proposing legislation that, if approved, would strengthen penalties on those who leave the scene of an accident that results in serious injury or a fatality.

Legis. Steven Stern, D-Huntington, along with Legis. Kate Browning, WFP-Mastic, said they are co-sponsoring the bill as a result of recent tragedies in several communities across Suffolk County. The legislation has the support of District Attorney Thomas Spota, Stern said.

The new law would authorize law enforcement to seize vehicles involved in hit-and-run accidents.

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Under current law, a driver who flees the scene can only be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by no more than one year in jail. Intoxicated or impaired drivers can be charged with a Class E felony, providing incentive for an impaired driver to flee. 

This new provision will help deter drivers from leaving the scene of an accident, Stern said.

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“I am proud to join with my colleagues in sponsoring this important initiative to punish those who leave the scene of an accident and to help protect all who travel on Suffolk County roadways,” he added. 


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