I think it’s important to recognize that statutory changes clearly change behavior. Therefore if we want our streets to be safer, we must be more proactive in statutory reforms in regards to how people are allowed to drive in this city.
I am a firm believer in graduated sanctions. When you violate the criminal law multiple times there needs to be an enhanced punishment. You cannot get away with repeatedly breaking the law.
I also think there needs to be an addition to the New York Penal Code that allows prosecutors to prosecute for vehicular assault even when drugs and/or alcohol are not involved. There exist egregious cases where a driver engages in criminally reckless conduct and causes an injury, and the statute should provide prosecutors with a clearly defined crime with which to charge these individuals. The absence of alcohol and drugs should not allow individuals to drive recklessly and without regard for human life. Road rage should not be tolerated in our city.

Yes. The DA's Office is in a unique position to identify areas of the law that need improvement. The law needs to not only respond to new trends in crime and law enforcement, but to the challenges presented by new technology as well.

While the law prohibits talking on a cell phone while driving, there is no law prohibiting text messaging while driving. This is extremely dangerous because the driver not only needs to look at a handheld device, but must take one or both hands off of the wheel to type. Distractions can come from the car itself, as new models are equipped with display screens. Thankfully, the New York State Legislature is considering bills addressing these threats to public safety. The Manhattan DAs Office should support these bills and propose similar reforms in the future.

As District Attorney I would, as I have done already, explicitly call for legislation to aggressively target repeat vehicular crime offenders and advocate for extreme punishment for repeat offenders. The same offense time and time again should not result in the same level of prosecution – repercussions must increase accordingly. I will work diligently, and as needed with New York City’s advocacy groups, to bring about this legislative change.