Tedisco on New NTSB Report on Schoharie Limo Crash: “Bring Us Back to Ensure Safety of New Yorkers”

Statement from Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C,I,REF-Glenville)

“Every day the legislature fails to act is another day, the lives of New Yorkers are at risk.”

“Today’s release of the federal NTSB Report on the horrific Schoharie limo crash last year and its recommendation for seat belts in all passenger positions in limousines is bittersweet and should be a wake-up call to the Senate and Assembly Majorities to iron-out their differences ASAP and get this legislation and other limo safety bills passed to protect the public and prevent further loss of life. There is a good chance if this requirement was in place, some of the victims of the Schoharie crash could have survived.”

 “Right now there is legislation languishing to require limos have properly seated rear seatbelts with shoulder harnesses, rollover protection devices, commercial GPS and increase penalties for making U-turns, speeding or running red lights, as well as drug and alcohol testing of limo drivers, creating an APP for passengers to report safety issues, and allowing the state to impound or put a boot on vehicles that do not pass inspection. The families of the victims of have waited long enough while the rest of the family of New York State is still endangered by the existing antiquated laws! The experts on the NTSB have spoken, it’s time for the Leaders to call us all back and get this important legislation passed and signed by the Governor.”

 “My colleagues in the Majority in both houses have to forget about pride of authorship and put the safety of New Yorkers first. They should remember, if the individual doesn’t care who gets the credit, the group can achieve incredible results. It’s time to get back to session, as I’ve called for since the end of June, and put the limo safety laws on the books. Let’s get this done as soon as possible in memory of the victims and to prevent future tragedies. We owe it to our constituents.”