‘Forfeit After Four’: Advocates say NY's stricter DWI law doesn't go far enough

New York's new ‘Forfeit After Four’ law, which permanently strips the drivers' licenses of people with four convictions have come in for criticism from some advocates, who say it simply doesn't go far enough.

"Until we start having real consequences for people who are driving impaired, we’re going to get the same outcome," said Alisa McMorris. "The wheels of justice are moving entirely too slow."

McMorris lost her 12-year-old son Andrew to a drunk driver when he was struck while hiking with his boy scout troop. Since Andrew's death, she has pushed for stricter penalties for impaired drivers. 

Prior to this year, New York permanently revoked a driver’s license after five drunk or drugged driving convictions. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 37 people die in drunk-driving crashes every day in the United States—one person every 39 minutes. In 2022 alone, more than 13,000 people lost their lives in alcohol-impaired crashes.

Long Island’s History of Tragic DWI Cases

Long Island has seen its share of deadly DWI crashes. Just last week, a man who drove the wrong way and killed two aspiring tennis players from Roslyn pleaded guilty. Another man, accused of driving drunk and crashing into a nail salon last summer, killing four, had a prior DWI conviction, according to prosecutors.

A spokesperson for the Department of Motor Vehicles defended the state’s efforts, stating, "There are already stringent penalties in place for repeat impaired drivers, including the possibility of permanent license revocation for three convictions or chemical test refusals within a 10-year period."

McMorris remains steadfast in her advocacy for change, urging officials to close gaps that allow repeat offenders back on the road.

"I made a promise as a mom on his deathbed to end this, and I will."