Thelma Samuelson lost her mother to a drunk driver, almost 52 years ago, back on Jan. 12, 1973. Her dad, who was also in the car, was left in a body cast, and her toddler son was hurt as well.

Later that same year on Dec. 14, a drunk driver also killed her grandmother.  

"It's not easy,” Samuelson said. “I didn't want to believe it. I mean, that's a normal response, is ,‘no, it can't be them. It's got to be someone else.’"

Samuelson says the drunk driver was a repeat offender, which is why she supports a new Department of Motor Vehicles regulation now in effect.

Under the "Forfeit After Four" law, New Yorkers who drive under the influence lose their driving privileges after four drug or alcohol related convictions or offenses. Previously, drivers permanently lost their license after five. 

"Thank you for someone coming up with that, because something needs to be done,” Samuelson said. “I don't know what it's ever really going to take for people to realize that they need to think before they go out and drink."

Law enforcement leaders say while the regulation may not have an impact on those who don't care about the law, it is a step in the right direction.

"Any amount of impaired driving is too much,” said James Quattrone, Chautauqua County sheriff. “Anything we can do to crack down on the repeat offenders. Unfortunately, too many people are repeat offenders and they're often those who are causing the crashes that are out there."

That’s leaving groups like Prevention Works, a longtime community agency, to help youth and adults combat substance abuse. 

Leaders there are also supportive of the new regulation, in an effort to reduce the number of DWIs and help keep communities safe.

"I do see that this is going to be impactful,” said Melanie Witkowski, executive director, Prevention Works. “Is it going to clear all the issues? Absolutely not. But after a second time to me, you had your chance. You had your choice. If you didn't learn it the first time, I don't know if you're going to learn after that."

Samuelson shares her story as part of Chautauqua County's Victim Impact Panel and urges drivers not to drink and get behind the wheel.  

"You do not have a right to drink and drive and kill, cripple or scar people,” said Samuelson. “That is not your right at all."