Congressman Paul Tonko was among the first to react to the release of the NTSB’s report on Wednesday morning, which detailed the federal government’s investigation into last fall’s limousine crash in Schoharie that claimed 20 lives.

“They lost their loved ones by apparently walking into what I believe was a death trap,” Tonko said. “[I’ve been] anxiously awaiting this report. I think it’s fair to characterize the report as a first installment.”

Spread over 15 pages, the report’s investigators developed several key findings, including that proper installation and use of seatbelts by the passengers could have saved lives. 

 

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 will show both events live.

 

A post-crash inspection, according to the NTSB, showed the limo had 21 belted seating positions inside. None of the 17 passengers were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

The NTSB went on to state the limo's seat belt systems were "poorly designed and would not have provided adequate protection." This was something Tonko addressed.

"Part of the report speaks to the lack of access to these seatbelts, which is a very troublesome notion," Tonko said.

“It confirms what I’ve been saying all along: Passenger safety is just not there when it comes to the limousine industry,” Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara said.

For months, Santabarbara, whose district includes Amsterdam where a majority of the crash victims were from, has been calling for a number of legislative reforms such as a bill that would make providing seatbelts for all passengers mandatory.

Santabarbara would also like the state to have more authority in punishing limo operators who do not follow the rules. 

"Limos that do not comply with what they're saying in here should be taken off the road today," Santabarbara said.

In wake of the NTSB’s report, both Tonko and Santabarba say they are already urging their colleagues to take quick action.

“There is an absolute need to respond to this tragedy so it doesn’t ever repeat for anyone else,” Tonko said.

“We need to go back to session or Governor needs to take executive action,” Santabarbara said. “Something needs to happen now.”

Among the legislative changes recommended by the NTSB is requiring all limousine passengers to wear seatbelts that cover both the shoulder and belt, as well as providing stricter enforcement of new and already-existing seatbelt laws.

READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE FINDINGS:

NTSB First Findings in Schoharie Limousine Crash by Matthew on Scribd

Senator Neil Breslin, co-sponsor of legislation in the Senate regarding limo safety, issued a statement to Spectrum News Tuesday following the crash's findings and new guidelines.

"After reviewing the report issued by the National Transportation Safety Board it is apparent additional safety measures should be taken to ensure the limousine industry is held to the highest safety standards for the safety of their passengers, drivers, and other motorists," Breslin said. "I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate and the Assembly to help enact these meaningful reforms." 

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration also issued a statement to us on Tuesday.

"This was a horrific, high-speed crash that tragically killed 20 people, including the driver," NHTSA said. "NHTSA welcomes NTSB’s initial analysis to mark the one-year anniversary of this tragedy, and the agency looks forward to reviewing the full investigation, data, and analysis when they are complete."