NYS Senator Dean Murray (R, C – East Patchogue, NY) has introduced legislation that will increase penalties for those convicted of leaving the scene of an accident involving a death.
Since October of 2022, there have been at least four hit and run vehicle accidents in Suffolk County, three of which resulted in fatalities. The most recent accident occurred on March 12, 2023 in Patchogue, when a man walking in a pedestrian crosswalk on Route 112, was struck by two separate vehicles. Police say 25-year-old Nicholas “Nick” Puzio, of Farmingville, NY died after being struck by two separate vehicles while he was crossing the street. The drivers of both vehicles fled the scene after striking Puzio.
“This young man’s life was taken far too early. If the first driver had stopped, would the second vehicle have ever hit him? If the second driver had stopped, could they have gotten Nick the help he needed to save his life? These are questions we cannot answer because of the reckless and cowardly choices made by the two drivers. Both drivers failed to yield to Nick and both drivers left the scene of the accident, trying to escape the consequences of their actions. There must be serious consequences for such actions. That is why I have introduced legislation (S6051), known as “Nick’s Law”, that increases penalties for drivers who commit such atrocities,” said NYS Senator Dean Murray.
“Nick’s Law” will amend the vehicle and traffic law to increase the penalty and fine for hit and run crimes from a Class D felony to a Class B felony when there is a death of a victim. It will also amend the criminal procedure law to provide that a hit and run accident resulting in the death of a victim, shall be a class B felony crime for drivers of all ages. NYS Assemblyman Doug Smith (R, C – Ronkonkoma) will sponsor the legislation in the NYS Assembly.
“No one else should have to endure the consequences of another individuals’ poor choices while driving. Hopefully this new proposed legislation will make drivers think twice before leaving the scene of any accident, let alone on that involves a fatality,” said NYS Assemblymember Doug Smith, 5th Assembly District.
Senator Murray added, “It is my hope that the new law will ensure that drivers, regardless of their age, are cognizant that hit and run accidents like the one that claimed the life of Nick Puzio, are very serious crimes that will carry very serious penalties.”
For more information on S6051, please visit: https://www.nysenate.gov/search/legislation?searched=true&type=f_bill&bill_printno=s6051&page=1.