Families of NY crash victims demand tougher limo laws
May 02, 2019 06:21 PM
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Parents of people killed in recent limousine crashes in New York state are urging legislators to pass tougher safety regulations.
Several provided tearful testimony at a legislative hearing Thursday in Albany. They called for stronger limo inspection rules; seat belts and air bags in all limos; and better enforcement to ensure vehicles and drivers have proper licenses.
Limo owners, meanwhile, testified that the industry is already heavily regulated and that state officials should instead improve enforcement of current laws.
Lawmakers have promised action following two fatal crashes.
Twenty people died last fall in a crash in rural Schoharie County involving a stretch limo that authorities have said should not have been on the road. In 2015, four women were killed in a stretch limo wreck on Long Island.
Hear what members of the limosuine industry had to say at the hearing by watching the video of Dan Levy's story.
Limousine company owners: we have been put under the microscope and punished because of one bad operator. Legitimate companies never put profits ahead of safety. We do care about the industry and the people who ride with us. pic.twitter.com/sbXURH3F6r
— Dan Levy (@dlevywnyt) May 2, 2019
Steve Baruch, father of Lauren who died in 2015 limo crash: My life has never been the same and it never will be. I don’t know how anyone can sit in this room and say, “How could we let this happen?” I’m pleading with you. Get this (meaningful legislation) done. pic.twitter.com/h6Ll11D5Cy
— Dan Levy (@dlevywnyt) May 2, 2019
Mindy and Howie Grabina, whose daughter died in a 2015 Suffolk Co. limo crash: It is not an honor to be here. My world imploded as well as all the other families. It is unconscionable that a vehicle can be altered without oversight. pic.twitter.com/9ZbMNmCssZ
— Dan Levy (@dlevywnyt) May 2, 2019
Sen. Jim Tedisco (R - Glenville): thank you for turning your personal tragedies into something positive. There is resolve at this table and we will be sure to bring that resolve to our colleagues. pic.twitter.com/ZWW51lgs0r
— Dan Levy (@dlevywnyt) May 2, 2019
Family of Long Island limo victims: every day we walk around like zombies. We don’t know why things that need to be changed don’t get changed. I wish (changes) could have been done two years ago so that what happened to us didn’t have to happen to Schoharie families. pic.twitter.com/n2HNS5xShu
— Dan Levy (@dlevywnyt) May 2, 2019
Janet Steenburg, mother of four daughters killed in Schoharie limo crash: if you ask me New York State dripped the ball on this multiple times. pic.twitter.com/PzHbQwTuOi
— Dan Levy (@dlevywnyt) May 2, 2019
Steenburg’s: Oct 6, 2018 (Schoharie limo crash date) was our family nightmare. We are determined to make sure no other families suffer nightmares. We are not going away and this will not be swept under the rug. pic.twitter.com/RLY2ud2zwk
— Dan Levy (@dlevywnyt) May 2, 2019
Family members of limousine victims testifying before the Senate Transportation Committee bowing to “do what ever we can to change laws even if it takes the rest of our lives.” pic.twitter.com/PRzGKtPzNT
— Dan Levy (@dlevywnyt) May 2, 2019
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Credits
AP / WNYT Staff
Updated: May 02, 2019 06:21 PM
Created: May 02, 2019 12:28 PM
Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
