Bipartisan Victory: ‘AJ’s Law’ to Bring Roadside Memorials Across New York

With summer traffic picking up and road safety top of mind for many families, the New York State Legislature has taken a powerful step to honor the lives lost in tragic collisions—and to help prevent future ones. Earlier this month, both the State Assembly and Senate unanimously passed the “Alexander John Smullen Traffic Safety Memorial Law,” a bipartisan measure named after 14-year-old Alexander John “AJ” Smullen, who died in March 2024 after being struck by a vehicle weeks earlier.

The legislation, sponsored by Assemblyman Robert Smullen and carried in the Senate by Sen. Patricia Fahy, creates a traffic safety memorial sign program across New York state. Once signed into law, it will allow for the installation of roadside markers that publicly recognize victims of fatal traffic incidents. These signs are meant not only to memorialize lost lives but to serve as stark reminders to motorists about the dangers of reckless, impaired, and distracted driving.

“This law, which honors the life and legacy of my son AJ, will help bring peace to families of victims killed in vehicle collisions and keep everyone safe on the road,” said Smullen. “Each and every sign placed will serve as an important reminder to all drivers in New York state: The consequences of impaired, reckless or distracted driving are often deadly.”

AJ Smullen passed away on March 6, 2024, following a courageous battle in the Pediatric ICU after being struck by a car on February 22. His story—and his family’s pain—has moved legislators on both sides of the aisle. The legislation, formally known as Assembly Bill A.3938-B/S.5568-B, received broad bipartisan support, signaling a shared commitment to improving road safety in AJ’s memory.

Smullen offered thanks to his colleagues across the political spectrum for backing the bill, and gave special recognition to Sen. Fahy for her sponsorship in the Senate. He is now urging Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the bill into law and calling on the state Department of Transportation to implement the program statewide.

“I will continue to advocate for this proposal until it is signed into law and implemented to improve traffic safety, reduce collisions and save lives statewide,” Smullen added.

As communities across New York reflect on AJ’s story, the legislation bearing his name promises to stand as a lasting tribute—and as a life-saving reminder on the roads where it matters most.