Federal lawmakers introduce limo regs a year after deadly crash

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WWNY) - A year after a deadly crash near Albany that claimed the lives of 20 people -- including a couple from Watertown -- federal lawmakers are working to improve limousine safety.

North country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik announced Thursday she’s introducing a new set of bills alongside U.S. senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.

The bills would do a number of things, including:

- Require new limos be outfitted with safety belts for passengers and study applying the law to older limos.

- Press limo manufacturers to certify altered used vehicles would meet federal safety standards.

- Help states get dangerous limos that fail critical safety inspections off the road.

The proposed laws stem from a limo crash in Schoharie, N.Y. last October. It was the deadliest crash in the U.S. since 2009.

Twenty people were killed, including two passengers, Mary and Rob Dyson of Watertown..

The limo crash is still being investigated. The National Traffic Safety Board (NTSB) recommended the seat belt requirement earlier this week.

Stefanik says she hopes the legislation will keep a tragedy like that from happening again.

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