Lake Placid, NY, Jul 13, 2010 — Gov. David Paterson signed a new law closing a legal loophole that prevented the driver accused of killing Olympic medalist and Lake Placid native Jack Shea from standing trial.

It authorizes certified nurse practitioners and advanced emergency medical technicians to draw blood from motorists suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol--without a doctor present. Paterson says "Jack Shea's Law" simply brings the legal standard into conformity with standard medical practice.

In 2002, a driver faced charges in the crash outside Lake Placid that killed 91-year-old Shea, who won two gold medals for speedskating at the 1932 Olympics. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

May 03, 2005 — Governor Pataki and the legislature have agreed on a bill to strengthen penalties against drunk drivers, at the urging of a mother whose son was killed by a man charged with driving drunk. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jul 04, 2003 — New York is changing what it means to be drunk behind the wheel. A new law went into effect this week that lowers the amount of alcohol a driver can have in their bloodstream. As Jody Tosti reports, with the holiday beginning today, police are expecting even more arrests this year under the new standards.  Go to full article

Jul 10, 2001 — The state Senate is urging the Assembly to pass more restrictive DWI legislation. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article