A FEW FACTS ABOUT DRIVING

Seatbelt use can keep you from plunging through the windshield, being thrown out the door, and runover by your own car.  If you are thrown out of your car in a crash your chances of being killed are 25 times greater than if you stay inside. 

Seat belts can:

  • Eliminate 50-60% of traffic fatalities
  • Eliminate 60-70% of injuries
  • Reduce severity of injury

Consequences of road rage which carry prison sentences under the Penal Law and Revocation of License under the Vehicle and Traffic Laws:

Under Vehicle and Traffic Law:

  • Reckless Driving Section 1212 of V.T.L.
  • Section 510(2) Homicide assault

Under the Penal Law - Criminally negligent homicide, Section 125.10 of Penal Law.  This is a class E felony.

Assault in the first degree - Section 120.10 of the Penal Law.  This is a class B violent felony.

A person could also be charged wiht Assault in the secnd degree, Section 120.05 of the Penal Law or Assault in the third degree, Section 120.00 of the Penal Law.

Assault in the second degree is a class D felony with a maximum sentence of 7 years of imprisonment.

Assault in the third degree is a class A midemeanor with a maximum sentence of 1 year imprisonment.

Manslaughter in the first degree - Section 125.20 of the Penal Law.  This is a class B violent felony.   Maslaughter in the second degree - Section 125.15 of the Penla Law.  This is a class C felony.

For the felony convictions listed here, a fine of up to $5,000 may be levied in addition to the term of imprisonment.  A felony conviction also carries a mandatory surcharge and victim assistance fee of $210.

FOOTNOTE:  You may be sued by injured parties in a civil action.


Accidents and People

  1. A total of 41,821 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes in 2000.  Another 3.2 million people were injured.
  2. The majority of persons killed or injured in traffic crashes were drivers (65 percent), followed by passengers (31 percent), pedestrians (3 percent), and pedlacyclists (2 percent).
  3. Persons 16 to 20 years old had the highest fatality and injury rates per 100, 000 population.  Children 5 to 9 years old had the lowest fatility rates, and children under 5 years old had the lowest injury rates.
  4. Forty percent of the persons who were killed in traffic crashes in 2000 died in alcohol - related crashes.  Ten percent of the injured persons received their injuries in alcohol - related crashes.
  5. Traffic fatalities increased slightly by 0.2 from 1999 to 2000 for the nation as a whole.  Twenty-five states showed increases, ranging from less than 1 percent to as much as 30 percent.

Source:  Traffic Safety Facts 2000