A limousine crash in upstate New York that killed 20 people highlights the need for stricter road regulations for some commercial vehicles.
New York Limousine Crash Kills 20
The incident, which has been widely reported in the national news, happened outside the town of Schoharie, New York, just west of the state capital, Albany.
A stretch limousine failed to stop at a notoriously dangerous intersection and plowed into the parking lot of a popular restaurant. All 18 people in the limousine, including the driver, died in the accident. Two pedestrians in the parking lot also died in the crash.
As details emerge, it has become clear that the limousine business is poorly regulated, despite New York being one of the strictest states in the nation for commercial vehicles.
Vehicle Failed Inspection a Month Earlier
In New York, limousine operators have a variety of regulations to abide by. One of them, which applies to vehicles designed to accommodate 10 or more passengers, requires for-hire vehicles to pass inspection twice a year.
The limo that crashed, though, had failed its inspection barely a month before the accident. Nevertheless, it was not kept off the road.
In fact, while buyers are unlikely to notice that a car has not passed inspection, text messages from the passengers right before the crash suggest they knew something was wrong.
Driver Was Not Properly Licensed, Either
In addition to the poor state of the limousine, the driver was not properly licensed to be driving the vehicle. New York requires a Class B license for vehicles that carry 12 or more people and weight more than 26,000 pounds. The additional license requirement is meant to ensure drivers are able to navigate turns with a longer vehicle, and accustomed to the additional stopping distance.
The driver of the limousine that crashed, though, did not have a Class B license. Nevertheless, he was hired by the company that owned the limousine, and was allowed to drive it.
Accident Highlights the Need for Strict Regulation
While this car crash happened in New York state, the lesson that it presents applies to Missouri, as well. Regulating limousine companies and the people who drive their vehicles can save lives. Whatever costs those regulations put on a business are trivial in comparison with such a devastating crash as this one.
St. Joseph Car Accident Attorneys at the Smith Law Office
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car accident in St. Joseph or western Missouri, hiring a lawyer to represent you can ensure you receive the compensation you need and deserve. By holding negligent people and reckless companies accountable, you can help ensure that no one else gets hurt at their hands, again.
Call the personal injury lawyers at the Smith Law Office in St. Joseph at (816) 875-9373 or contact them online for the legal help you need.