(AP) - New York Gov. David Paterson is responding tothe wrong-way crash that killed eight people with a proposed lawaimed at drunk drivers who endanger children.

Paterson announced Thursday that he's proposing legislationmaking it a felony to drive while intoxicated with children in thecar. The bill would up the penalty for the crime to up to fouryears in state prison.

Currently drivers who commit the crime are charged with amisdemeanor and a vehicular violation.

Thirty-five other states have laws that impose higher DWIsanctions against those who place a child passenger at risk.

In 2007 there were nearly 9,500 accidents related to drunkdriving in New York State with 344 resulting in death. Nearly 200of those killed or injured were under the age of 14.