AJ’s Legacy Drives Road Safety in NY

Two years after the tragic passing of 14-year-old Alexander John “AJ” Smullen, his story continues to inspire change across New York state. What began as unimaginable loss for one family has now grown into a bipartisan effort aimed at improving road safety and honoring those lost in traffic collisions.

Earlier this year, both the New York State Assembly and Senate unanimously passed the Alexander John Smullen Traffic Safety Memorial Law, widely known as “AJ’s Law.” The legislation seeks to establish a statewide roadside memorial sign program designed to honor victims of fatal traffic incidents and remind drivers of the consequences of reckless, impaired, or distracted driving.

For Assemblyman Robert Smullen, the bill is more than legislation—it is a tribute to his son’s life and a mission to help prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak.

“We miss our AJ so much,” Smullen said in reflecting on the second anniversary of his son’s passing. “It’s been two years since his tragic passing. God bless him, and please pray for his heart recipient, Stephanie.”

A Life Remembered

AJ Smullen passed away on March 6, 2024, after being struck by a vehicle on February 22 of that year. He spent his final days courageously fighting for his life in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit before ultimately succumbing to his injuries.

His death sent shockwaves through his community and beyond, prompting an outpouring of support and calls for action to improve road safety across the state.

In the midst of grief, the Smullen family made a powerful decision to donate AJ’s organs, offering hope and life to others. One of those recipients, Stephanie, continues to be in the thoughts and prayers of AJ’s family and supporters.

Turning Tragedy Into Action

Determined to ensure AJ’s story would not be forgotten, Assemblyman Smullen introduced legislation that would create a formal program allowing roadside memorial signs to be placed at locations where fatal traffic incidents occurred.

These signs would serve both as memorials for victims and as stark reminders to drivers about the real and often devastating consequences of dangerous behavior behind the wheel.

“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,” Smullen said earlier this year.

Each sign, he noted, will carry a powerful message to motorists across New York: that reckless, distracted, or impaired driving can have life-altering consequences.

Bipartisan Support for Safer Roads

The legislation, formally known as Assembly Bill A.3938-B and Senate Bill S.5568-B, received unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers of the New York State Legislature.

State Senator Patricia Fahy sponsored the measure in the Senate, helping shepherd the proposal through the legislative process.

Smullen has publicly thanked lawmakers from both parties for their support, calling the unanimous vote a powerful example of what can happen when leaders come together around a shared goal—protecting lives and supporting grieving families.

A Legacy That Saves Lives

While the bill now awaits final action to become law, its passage in both chambers already represents a meaningful milestone for the Smullen family and for road safety advocates across New York.

If signed into law and implemented by the state Department of Transportation, AJ’s Law would allow families to memorialize loved ones lost in traffic collisions while also encouraging drivers to think twice before making dangerous choices on the road.

For Assemblyman Smullen, the mission remains deeply personal.

“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,” he said.

Two years after AJ’s passing, his legacy continues to move forward—not only in the hearts of those who knew him, but also on the roads where his story may one day help save lives.