NEW YORK — It’s illegal to drive drunk. No exceptions.
But in New York, at times, a driver can be seriously impaired by a drug, and yet face no consequences.
CBS News New York Investigates is exposing this troubling loophole in state law and went digging for answers.
A recent incident on the Long Island Expressway
During a late July rush hour on the LIE, an officer is heard on police body-cam video trying to question a truck driver. Police said he hit the median, crossed all lanes of traffic and crashed. Since the case is still open, we’re not identifying the driver.
Officer : “No drinking today, right? Alright, so what did you do?”
Driver : ” … man.”
Officer : “You gotta stay with me, man.”
Driver : “I gotta get off.”
Officer : “No, no, you gotta stay with me.”
Driver : “I’m trying. I’m trying.”
Officer : “I know you’re trying. I know you’re trying. So what did you take?”