A hit-and-run accident in Patchogue in March of 2023 that took the life of 25-year-old Nicholas Puzio was the final straw for New York State Senator Dean Murray and numerous local lawmakers. Puzio of Farmingville, New York, died after being struck by, not one, but two separate vehicles, while he was crossing Route 112.
The drivers of both vehicles fled the scene after striking Mr. Puzio, leaving him to die.
Unfortunately, drivers leaving the scene of accidents have become an all too regular occurrence and have taken far too many lives. For this reason, Senator Murray introduced “Nick’s Law” in 2023 which will increase penalties for those convicted of leaving the scene of an accident involving a death.
One of the drivers that fled the scene of Mr. Puzio’s accident was recently convicted and sentenced to serve six months behind bars with five years’ probation. The second individual has been indicted and is awaiting trial.
“Two drivers made reckless choices and left my son dying in the street. Who does that? Does anyone have regard for human life? The laws in New York State are far too lenient,” said Nick’s mother, Terry Puzio. “Unfortunately, the current punishment doesn’t seem to deter the crime,” she added.
“That is why my colleagues, and I are once again, bringing attention to these senseless incidents,” said Senator Murray. “There is little doubt that the state legislature will be called back to Albany in the coming weeks or months to address some unfinished business. We are calling on the Legislative Leaders to make “Nick’s Law” a part of that unfinished business. It seems that deadly hit and run accidents are becoming a regular occurrence on Long Island and it is up to us, as leaders, to do more to stop this horrific trend. Passing “Nick’s Law” will go a long way in doing just that… but we cannot wait until next year, too many lives are at stake. We must act now,” Senator Murray added.
Those behind the wheel who hit, kill, and then flee are the lowest of the law according to New York State Assemblyman Joe DeStefano.
“Leaving the scene of an accident is cowardly and in most cases, the perpetrator is trying to avoid responsibility,” said DeStefano.
“These tougher penalties are needed to address the growing instances of hit and run accidents on Long Island, provide greater protections for motorists and pedestrians and save lives,” said New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo.
If passed, it would increase penalties for those convicted of leaving the scene of an accident involving a death.
Since October of 2022, there have been at least five hit and run vehicle accidents in Suffolk County, three of which resulted in fatalities.
"How many more young New Yorkers do we have to lose to hit and run and other deadly roadway accidents before the State legislature takes action to improve safety on New York’s Streets and highways? Nick’s Law, and other bills to increase penalties for reckless driving and those driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol must be made a priority, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to enact these measures as important steps toward improving the safety of New York’s motorist and pedestrians," said New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo, 1st Senate District.
The legislation was named in honor of 25-year-old Nicholas “Nick” Puzio of Farmingville who died after being struck by two separate vehicles while he was crossing the street. The drivers of both vehicles fled the scene after striking Puzio.
“Nick’s Law will make people think twice about taking off and if they do, the consequences will be severe,” added DeStefano.
“Leaving the scene of an accident is not only wrong, it is inhumane and it should be dealt with as harshly as possible. When people can face lighter sentences if they are involved in an accident while drunk or on drugs like legal marijuana by leaving an injured person in the road, there is a clear benefit to them to run and hide. That is unacceptable and it must be changed as soon as possible,” said New York State Senator Mario R. Mattera..
Joining local lawmakers and law enforcement was the mother of 22-year-old volunteer firefighter Christopher Hlavaty. Police said the former Hagerman Fire Department rookie of the year was killed by hit and run driver Maria Guallpa-Bonilla of Bellport, who was charged with leaving the scene of an incident involving a fatality.
"My hope for the passage of Nick's Law is that people will think twice before leaving the scene of these horrific, life-altering accidents. The consequences need to be much stiffer and just maybe, these heartless people will not be so quick to leave our loved ones to die," said Janine Hlavaty, mother of Christopher Hlavaty.
Whether or not her plea falls on deaf ears, and Nick’s Law passes and is enacted, is all up to Democratic New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Democratic lawmakers in the Assembly and Senate. A majority of Democrats hold seats in both chambers and the Governor’s mansion, so no proposed law passes without their approval.
If Nick’s law did pass, it would increase penalties for those who flee the scene of an accident involving a death to a Class B felony and a fine of $30,000.
“Nick’s Law will make people think twice about taking off and if they do, the consequences will be severe,” concluded Assemblyman DeStefano.