Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) is proud to cosponsor Assembly Bill A.5907 (Senate Bill S.200), which would amend the navigation law and the vehicle and traffic law by suspending a person's driver's license following the conviction of operating a boating vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The purpose of this proposal is to enhance the safety of New York boaters and motorists by strengthening the penalties associated with the conviction of operating a boating vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

“While some people might think it is safer to operate a boating vessel versus a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this could not be further from the truth,” said Smullen. “Operating a boating vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is extremely dangerous and must be taken seriously just as driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is taken seriously. It is important we send a message to anyone who chooses to drink before operating a moving vehicle or vessel of any kind: driving while intoxicated and boating while intoxicated are both serious crimes and will be treated as such to protect the lives of everyone on the road or water.”