New York Bill Aims to Honor Victims of Fatal Car Accidents with Traffic Safety Memorial Signs

Last week, Assemblyman Robert Smullen joined by state legislators from New York state, community members, and organizations gathered for a press conference to promote Assembly Bill A.3938, also known as the “Alexander John Smullen Traffic Safety Memorial Law.” The bill aims to establish a memorial sign program to publicly honor the victims of fatal vehicle collisions across New York State.

The press conference featured several prominent figures including Senate Minority Leader Robert G. Ortt, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, Senators George M. Borrello and Patricia Fahy, Assemblymembers Catalina Cruz and Marianne Buttenschon, NYS PTA Executive Director Kyle Belokopitsky, and Donate Life New York State Executive Director Aisha M. Tator.

The legislation is named in honor of Smullen’s son, Alexander John “AJ” Smullen, who tragically passed away on March 6, 2024, at the age of 14. AJ was hit by a car on February 22, 2024, in Albany, New York, after fighting for his life in the Pediatric ICU. Smullen’s grief over his son’s loss, coupled with the increasing number of fatalities from vehicle collisions, has motivated him to push for this bill, which will allow families and friends to memorialize their loved ones through the installation of traffic safety signs.

“We must act to protect New Yorkers and reverse these deadly trends,” Smullen said. “The number of vehicle deaths in our state continues to rise, and through this law, we can honor the victims and raise awareness about the severe consequences of reckless, impaired, or distracted driving.”

The “Alexander John Smullen Traffic Safety Memorial Law” will create a program allowing individuals to apply for a memorial sign to be installed at the site of a fatal collision. The sign will include the phrase “In Memory Of” followed by the victim’s name and a traffic safety message, such as “Please Don’t Drink and Drive,” “Please Drive Sober,” or “Reckless Driving Costs Lives.” The signs will remain in place for two years, with the option for the family to retain the sign at the end of the period.

The bill’s introduction is timely, as traffic fatalities in New York State have risen sharply. According to the State Comptroller’s “Moving in the Wrong Direction” report, motor vehicle fatalities in the state have increased by 25.8% since 2019. In 2022, there were 1,175 motor vehicle fatalities in New York, the highest number since 2013. The statistics reflect an urgent need to address the dangerous driving behaviors that contribute to these deaths.

Smullen emphasized that the memorial signs not only provide families with closure but also serve as a reminder to all drivers of the life-threatening consequences of unsafe driving practices.

The “Alexander John Smullen Traffic Safety Memorial Law” is a meaningful step toward honoring the lives lost in tragic accidents and raising awareness about the importance of safe driving. By providing families with a way to memorialize their loved ones and reminding all New Yorkers about the dangers of reckless and impaired driving, this legislation aims to create a lasting impact on both the hearts and minds of the public. Assemblyman Smullen’s dedication to this cause reflects his commitment to preventing further loss of life and making New York’s roads safer for everyone.