Unfortunately, it sometimes takes an untimely death to identify dangerous loop-holes that need to be addressed. The New York State Assembly and Senate recently passed a package of legislative bills addressing limousine safety. This legislation comes after multiple deadly stretch limousine crashes, one being the October 2018 crash in Schoharie claiming the lives of 20 people.
The legislation imposes stricter oversight on stretch limousines and drivers, provides easy and accessible ways to report safety issues, and creates a task force to further study safety issues in the industry. Two bills I sponsored are included in the package that passed both the Assembly and Senate, and now wait for the Governor’s signature.
A.8990 (S.7134) Requires the use of seat belts by passengers older than 8 years old in taxis and livery vehicles, including stretch limousines. Drivers are prohibited from operating the vehicle unless all passengers between the ages of 8 and 15 are restrained by seatbelts.
A9056 (S6193) Authorizes the Department of Transportation to impound or immobilize stretch limousines that fail inspection. Upon adequate repair and inspection, the license plates and registration will be returned to the owner so the vehicle can again be used.
To further protect passengers, pedestrians and other motorists, the package also includes measures to:
• Require motor carriers to conduct pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing of drivers who operate stretch limousines, taxis, and liveries that hold nine or more
• Require the DMV to maintain and annually update its website to provide information on motor carriers operating stretch limousines.
• Establish a stretch limousine passenger safety task force to study and provide a final report of other outstanding safety issues in the industry
• Require drivers of limousines with seating capacities of nine or more to hold a commercial driver’s license with passenger endorsement.
• Require stretch limousines to use commercial GPS technology that meets federal standards
• Increase penalties for illegal U-Turn violations by stretch limo drivers
As a member of the Taxi & Limousine Commission in NYC, Uber and other ride-sharing companies would be subject to these regulations.
The regulations are an attempt to protect the passengers of limousines, other drivers and pedestrians. The horrific tragedy was a call to action to prevent other senseless crashes. As we return to Albany to debate legislation, I continue to be concerned about the safety and security of our communities, as well as the issues that affect the daily life of New Yorkers.
As always, if you have any questions about these or any other state issues, please call my office at 315-428-9651 or email at [email protected]. My office can be contacted at 333 E. Washington St., Room 840, Syracuse, NY 13202. Follow me at facebook.com/WilliamMagnarelli.
