Park Slope Crash Spurs Law To Ban Drivers Who Pass Out At Wheel

PARK SLOPE, NY — Drivers who pass out behind the wheel could have to submit to testing and prove they're fit to drive under a new law that passed in the state this week.

The bill, introduced by Assemblyman Robert Carroll, comes weeks after Dorothy Bruns, 44, lost consciousness while driving in Park Slope and ran through a red light, killing Abigail Blumenstein, 4, and Joshua Lew, 1.

"After the tragic crash that took place just a few blocks from my District Office which took the lives of two young children it became clearer to me than ever that our state must do more to make the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists and other motorists a top priority," Carroll said in a statement.

"This legislation will allow for the Department of Motor Vehicles to remove drivers from our roads if a crash is caused by a loss of consciousness or if deemed necessary by a medical professional."

Under the new law, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles can force a driver who loses consciousness to be reexamined to see if they're still fit to keep their license, Carroll said. The check can only happen if the person causes $1,000 or more worth of damages, seriously injures or kills somebody.

Currently, the law only allows the commissioner to force the reexamination of a driver if they were involved in three "reportable" crashes within an 18 months period or if they believe the person isn't fit to drive, Carroll said.

Bruns, of Staten Island, was stopped at the intersection of Ninth Street and Fifth Avenue on March 5 when she lost control of her 2016 Volvo S60 and slammed into five pedestrians crossing, police said.

She kept driving for more than 300 feet, dragging a stroller, until she hit a parked car.

The crash killed Lew and Blumenstein and left their mothers, Ruthie Ann Blumenstein and Lauren Lew, in the hospital, police said. A man also sustained minor injuries.

Blumenstein, a Tony-award winning actress whose stage name is Ruthie Ann Miles, was pregnant at the time and later lost her unborn daughter from her injuries.

Bruns, who was later charged with manslaughter, reportedly had a history of heart conditions and a law enforcement source said she likely had a seizure before the crash.

Doctors repeatedly told her to stay off the road when she had a medical condition behind the wheel in Staten Island in January, prosecutors said. She was also reportedly involved in a hit-and-run in Queens in September.

"Had this legislation been in place prior to this crash in Park Slope, the driver's license may have been suspended and she may not have been behind the wheel that day," Carroll said.

"This bill is a significant step toward addressing factors relating to drivers losing consciousness, awareness or control due to chronic, ongoing conditions."

The new law, which passed the Senate and Assembly this week, is one of several being pushed by local elected officials to crack down on dangerous drivers in the wake of the Park Slope crash.

The city also plans to redesign the stretch of Ninth Street where the crash happened to make it safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Image: Nicholas Rizzi/Patch