Kevin Cushing's son Patrick was among those who died in the October 2018 limousine crash in Schoharie. The grief of his son's death was eventually channeled into action. 

"Something that gave us a sense of purpose was advocacy," Cushing said, "because we were hurt, angry."

Cushing and other victims' family members met with state lawmakers to shore up New York's limousine safety laws. In a way, it was familiar territory for him: Patrick worked for the State Senate and was known by many of the legislators.

"We knew that we had an opportunity to have a voice. People would hear us," Kevin Cushing said. "Now, whether they would listen, we didn't know."

 

MEMORIAL TO BE UNVEILED, AMSTERDAM TO HONOR VICTIMS
Friends, family, and the community will honor the 20 lives lost. In a private event on Saturday at 9 a.m., a permanent memorial will be unveiled. On Sunday at 6 p.m., a public event will be held in Amsterdam to pay tribute. Spectrum News Albany will show both events live.

 

The legislature did approve a new vehicle inspection fee, tougher legal and civil penalties for illegal limo operators, and gave the Department of Transportation and the State Police to remove license plates from limousines that fail inspection. Limo companies must also display certification, inspection information and driver qualifications. But a year after the crash, some lawmakers, including Senator Jim Tedisco, say they deserve an incomplete grade for what got done.

Victims' families testified in front of state lawmakers last June as they pushed for stricter limo safety regulations. While some measures passed, other policies failed to gain approval. Local lawmakers are encouraging families to keep advocating for changes in the next legislative session. (Spectrum News File Photo)

"This was a no-brainer as something that should have been a priority with these antiquated laws in place," said Tedisco (R - Glenville). "We didn't get them in place."

Legislation that would have required drug and alcohol testing of drivers, required stretch limos to have commercial GPS systems and rear seatbelts, as well as rollover protection devices, has yet to become law.

Tedisco says family members pushing for safety should keep the pressure on.

"Don't give up," he said. "Still have hope and faith, and continue to lobby your elected officials and tell them that this is important. If you have to, tell them 'this will impact you at the voting booth.'"

Assemblywoman Pat Fahy acknowledges more work is needed, but lawmakers now have more information on the precise causes of the crash.

"We have a lot better data to know what wrong," said Fahy (D - Albany), "and of course, in [that case], virtually everything that could go wrong did wrong in this horrific, horrific accident."

And family members like Kevin Cushing say their efforts will be worth it. 

"I think we're going to have legislation that will be better than the legislation that currently exists," he said. "If in any way, that protects another family from what we've gone through, it's worth every effort, of every minute, of every second of our time."

The legislature returns to Albany in January.