They are a chilling reminder of the devastating toll that automobile accidents take on families across New York: roadside memorials marking the sites of fatal crashes. Now, a new bill in the state legislature seeks to formally recognize these tragic losses while promoting safer driving habits statewide.
A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers is advocating for the passage of the “Alexander John Smullen Traffic Safety Memorial Law,” named for the son of Assemblyman Robert Smullen, the bill’s sponsor.
“This legislation is named in honor of my late son who tragically passed away on March 6, 2024, in Albany at the age of 14 following a fierce fight in the Pediatric ICU after being hit by a car on February 22, 2024,” said Assemblyman Smullen, who represents the Mohawk Valley area. “This legislation would create a traffic safety memorial sign program to honor the victims of fatal vehicle collisions and serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless, impaired, or distracted driving.”
Appearing with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle at an Albany news conference was Suffolk Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano, who noted that Long Island roads are among the most congested and hazardous in the state. “We see far too many tragedies caused by speeding, distracted driving, and impaired motorists. This bill is a step toward changing that reality,” he said.
According to state data, Suffolk County consistently ranks among the highest in the state for traffic-related deaths, with reckless driving, drunk driving, and pedestrian-involved crashes being the most persistent problems. High-speed corridors such as the Long Island Expressway, Sunrise Highway, and Route 25 are frequently cited as among the worst. A section of the Southern State Parkway is so hazardous it’s called “Blood Alley.”
Under the bill, the public can request a sign with the name of the victim(s) and the date of the accident. The signs, placed by the Department of Transportation, will include phrases such as “Please don’t drink and drive,” “Please don’t drive impaired,” “Please don’t text and drive,” “Please don’t speed,” etc. They will also promote using seatbelts and slowing down for work crews and pedestrians.
“As lawmakers, we have a duty to not only honor those who have been tragically lost but also to take action that prevents future heartbreak for other families,” Assemblyman DeStefano stated. “This legislation is about more than just remembrance—it’s about saving lives and reinforcing the need for responsible driving on our roads.”