Following another bridge strike in Glenville earlier today, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara is calling attention to his proposed legislation aimed at preventing these costly and dangerous accidents. The bridge, located on Glenridge Road, has been struck numerous times in recent years despite clear signage, underscoring the need for technological solutions to improve driver awareness.

“Today’s incident is another reminder that warning signs alone are not enough,” said Santabarbara. “That’s why I introduced legislation that requires GPS systems to display the height of bridges, tunnels, and underpasses on drivers’ routes, ensuring drivers have real-time information they need to avoid accidents like this.”

Santabarbara’s bill (A.8582-B), which passed the New York State Assembly earlier this year, aims to address the increasing number of bridge strikes across the state. With nearly 200 incidents occurring annually, the costs to communities and the disruptions to traffic are significant.

“Bridge strikes like this one in Glenville have not only put lives at risk but have also resulted in millions of dollars in damage to infrastructure and vehicles,” Santabarbara added. “This bill will help prevent these accidents, saving money on repairs and reducing the burden on emergency responders who are called to the scene.”

The Glenridge Road bridge alone has been hit over 30 times in recent years, despite warning signs. Today’s strike is yet another example of why this legislation is necessary to help drivers – particularly those unfamiliar with the area – avoid low-clearance bridges.

By requiring GPS systems to show bridge heights, Santabarbara’s bill will ensure that drivers are aware of the dangers before they encounter them. The goal is to reduce these incidents, enhance public safety, and free up resources currently spent on emergency responses and repairs.

“Today’s strike could have been avoided, and with this legislation in place, we can help make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Santabarbara concluded.