NY Lawmakers Want Ignition Interlock Devices Installed In School Buses

MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- There is a new call to prevent school bus drivers from getting behind the wheel drunk.

Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice and state Sen. Charles Fuschillo want to put Breathalyzers and ignition interlock devices in all school buses in New York.

"We have the technology to ensure that no driver gets behind the wheel of a school bus transporting children in a drunk condition," Rice said.

1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reports

The ignition interlock devices would prevent the bus from starting if alcohol is detected in the driver's breath.

"To have a bus driver blow into this device is so simple," Fuschillo said.

If passed, the law would be the first of its kind anywhere in the nation.

The move comes after two alleged drunken driving incidents over the last two weeks.

On Oct. 3, a mini school bus carrying five children crashed into the garage of a house in Syosset. Nassau County Police  said they later determined the driver was drunk at the time of the accident.

Frederick Flowers, 66, has been charged with five counts of driving while intoxicated under Leandra's Law, five counts of endangering the welfare of a child, five counts of reckless endangerment, and one count of driving while intoxicated with at least one child on a bus.

Last Thursday, Robert Stundis, 48, was arrested after being accused of driving a mini-bus while drunk. Police said the 48-year-old had a half empty bottle of vodka in the bus and registered a blood-alcohol level of .23, nearly triple the legal limit.

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