Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Introduces “The Amar Diarrassouba Life-Saving Truck Guard Law”

New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) has introduced legislation to require the use of rear wheel guards on certain vehicles (S.4326). This bill comes in the wake of the tragic loss of 6-year-old Amar Diarrassouba, who was fatally struck and killed by a truck on February 28, 2013 at the intersection of 117th Street and 1st Avenue in East Harlem, while walking to school with his older brother.

Senator Rev. Diaz stated: “My heart goes out to Amar’s brother who witnessed his younger brother getting hit and killed by a truck while they were on their way to school. My prayers are with Amar’s family, classmates, teachers, and neighbors. While no piece of legislation can prevent every tragedy, it is our duty as legislators to do whatever we can to make our communities safe and protect all lives. If this piece of legislation protects even one life, then it is certainly worth becoming law.”

Senator Diaz continued: “Amar’s tragic death might have been avoided if the tractor-trailer had been equipped with protective rear-wheel guards. There are estimates that ten children die each year in New York City as a result of these types of accidents because rear wheel guards are not mandatory.”

Amar’s Uncle Lassina Diarrassouba stated: “My brother and his family are grateful for the outpouring of compassion and sympathy we have received from so many New Yorkers. While Amar will always be a part of our lives, we appreciate the efforts of Senator Diaz to try to prevent the next tragedy with this piece of legislation.”

Sam Schwartz, a.k.a. Gridlock Sam, one of the leading transportation engineers in the United States who reviewed the bill wrote the following: “Thanks to Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr. for considering this important piece of legislation; it will be a life-saver.”

For further information, please contact Cathy Bern-Smith, Policy Director at (518) 455-2513.