Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Plattsburgh) announced that he helped pass a bill requiring the installation of approved seatbelts in limousines operating in New York (A.9057). The legislation was written following a devastating accident in Schoharie County that claimed the lives of 20 people in October 2018. The crash was the nation’s deadliest transportation accident in nine years.^[1]

“It’s been over a year since the horrific crash that caused unimaginable pain and forever scarred that community,” said Jones. “It’s truly crushing – careless oversight and lax regulations caused the death of 20 people on what was supposed to be a joyous day. While we can never bring back the lives lost, legislation like this can help prevent future tragedies from occurring and ensure no community has to suffer a heartbreaking loss.”

The bill would require all stretch limousines to have approved seatbelts installed, and that they be accessible, visible and in good working condition. The legislation is part of a limousine safety package designed to strengthen the rules and guidelines behind limousine transportation in New York State. People use limousines for a variety of occasions and it is imperative companies uphold high safety standards to help prevent tragedies like this, noted Jones.

[1] timesunion.com/news/article/20-killed-in-Schoharie-limousine-crash-13288015.php