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NTSB Urges National Safety Standards For Limos

Hans Pennink
/
AP
Barbara Douglas of Danamora, N.Y., reacts while talking about her four family members who died in a fatal limousine crash in Schoharie, N.Y., in 2018.

A federal investigative agency recommends New York pass legislation to require mandatory seat belt use for passengers in limousines.

A limo crash in 2015 killed four women when the driver attempted to make a U-turn and was struck by a pickup truck in Cutchogue, Long Island. Another limo crash near Albany killed 20 people last October. 

The National Transportation Safety Board released a report this month with recommendations for heightened safety precautions in limos after similar deaths occurred nationwide.

The federal agency urges lap and shoulder belts for each passenger in newer vehicles and proper seat belt use.

Some of the recommendations were also for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York plans to introduce a bill this week to make those recommendations federal law. 

The measure would require research into limousine impact resistance and air bag use, emergency evacuation protocol and a stricter seat belt policy if approved. 

A native Long Islander, J.D. is WSHU's managing editor. He also hosts the climate podcast Higher Ground. J.D. reports for public radio stations across the Northeast, is a journalism educator and proud SPJ member.
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