Linda Lee
0:57:00
Good afternoon, madam speaker, majority leader in colleagues.
0:57:03
Over the past few years, our city has been hit huge by an increase in vehicle thefts.
0:57:08
Kia and Hyundai designed and sold car models.
0:57:10
So if you guys have a Kia or Hyundai pay attention, sold car models without a basic safety feature, Those weaknesses were publicized on social media and exploited to a devastating effect.
0:57:22
And during a 3 year period, thefts of these car models soared nationwide by a 1000% despite a decreasing trend in other major crimes being measured.
0:57:32
And I've personally heard the fears of many of in concerns residents from officers in my district about this concerning uptick and the need for enhanced safety measures to protect vehicle owners, particularly in transit deserts like Eastern Queens where so many community members rely on cars to get around.
0:57:48
We must ensure that the infrastructure is in place to protect their methods of getting to work and school to keep our city moving.
0:57:55
To that end, I'm proud to introduce intro 610, which would establish a vehicle theft prevention program in the NY The department would be tasked with distributing and assisting with the installation of steering wheel locks and software updates and conducting public outreach and education.
0:58:10
Kia and Hyundai are facing considerable lawsuits and have recently started public efforts to help secure these flawed products.
0:58:17
And it's my hope that This legislation will prod them into more robust cooperation and coordination with our city so that we can prevent further damage.
0:58:26
I don't know how many of you guys remember the club.
0:58:28
Where you, you know, extend the thing on the steering wheel with the locking key.
0:58:31
Apparently, that's like the best way now to prevent your cars from being stolen.
0:58:35
So we gotta go back to that.
0:58:37
So one of the best ways one of the best ways apparently.
0:58:40
So with that, thank you and hope to get all of your sign on.
