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NYC COUNCIL IMPOSES CIVIL PENALTIES ON HIT AND RUN COLLISIONS

New York State law requires any driver who knows or should know that they have been involved in an incident where property damage, injury, or death with their vehicle results to remain on the scene in order to report the incident to law enforcement and provide the property’s owner or the injured party with their insurance and personal contact information. However, violators of this law face a maximum fine of just $5,000 and often are not held accountable as bringing criminal charges for hit-and-run collisions can be difficult.

Introduction 371-A, sponsored by Council Members Van Bramer and Rodriguez, would provide for civil penalties to be issued when a driver violates the provisions of State law. Under the bill, those who leave the scene of an incident without taking action required by law would be subject to pay a civil penalty of up to $500 if property damage results from the incident; $1,000 to $2,000 if a person is injured; $2,000 to $10,000 if there is serious injury; and $5,000 to $10,000 if death results. The law would take effect ninety days after the Mayor signs the bill into law. The passage of this much needed legislation out of committee comes six days before the one year anniversary of Luis Bravo’s death on September 28th, 2013. Council Member Van Bramer introduced the legislation after Mr. Bravo was killed on Broadway in Woodside, Queens by a hit-and-run driver.

“With the passage of “The Justice for Hit-and-Run Victims Act” we are sending a message directly to hit-and-run drivers that leaving a fellow New Yorker to die in the streets is unconscionable, and if you do this, you will be punished,” said Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer. “With this historic bill we can and will save lives by introducing heavy civil penalties for the first time to reckless drivers who kill innocent victims and break the law. Vision Zero will become a reality in New York City and the passage of this law brings us closer to that day. I was proud to introduce this piece of legislation in honor of Luis Bravo, Kumar Ragunath and Karen Pheras who were killed by hit-and-run drivers in my district and I am prouder still that after the hearing we are increasing the penalties as a result of testimony given by advocates. This Council listens and responds.”

“Today the City Council took a firm stand against hit and run drivers by adding civil penalties to this horrific crime ,” said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, “The ‘Justice for Hit and Run Victims Act’ will undoubtedly save hundreds of lives per year by forcing drivers to think twice before they coldheartedly leave the scene of an accident. I vote today in memory of my fallen friend Josbel Rivera who died on Mosholu Parkway in 2012 and all victims of this inhumane crime.”