Senator Griffo & Assemblywoman Destito Look to Curb Distracting Roadside Memorials

GRIFFO AND DESTITO LOOK TO CURB DISTRACTING ROADSIDE MEMORIALS

Look to ask Department of Transportation to study and suggest Memorials

(Utica) - Senator Joseph A. Griffo (R/I/C - Rome) and Assemblywoman RoAnn M. Destito (D/WF - Rome) today announced that they are seeking to introduce legislation aimed at providing safer, non-distracting, memorial displays alongside state roadways.

“Often following tragic events such as fatal accidents, family and friends mark the spot with flowers and other make-shift memorials,” said Senator Griffo. “While it is certainly understandable that this would occur, many times these displays put both motorists and pedestrians at risk. We need to look for a way to place a permanent reminder, but done in a safe way.”

“Distractions when driving, no matter what they may be, can lead to even more incidents on our roadways. This legislation will ensure that memorials do not deteriorate due to weather conditions or become a hazard in any way but instead serve as both a memorial to the victim and a reminder to drivers to always drive safely,” said Assemblywoman Destito.

The legislation would ask the Department of Transportation to establish a uniform memorial marker to denote fatal accidents along state roadways. The goal of the legislation would be not only to create a permanent marker at the request of family members, but also ensure the safety of both motorists and pedestrians who often times place memorials along busy road ways.

Senator Griffo and Assemblywoman Destito have contacted Department of Transportation officials regarding this proposal and will continue to pursue legislation in the coming legislative session.

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