Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) is again calling for action to enhance passenger safety on New York roads following the recent fatal bus crash on I-90 near Pembroke, which claimed five lives last Friday. The crash is the latest in a series of deadly incidents across the state, including the 2023 St. Lawrence County crash that killed six migrant workers.

The 2023 Louisville crash involved a box truck crossing the center line and striking a bus carrying 14 solar farm workers. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined the probable cause was the truck driver’s fatigue due to insufficient sleep. Investigators found the driver was on his fifth consecutive overnight shift and had received no training on proper sleep hygiene.

The investigation also revealed serious safety violations on the part of LBFNY, including operating vehicles under a federal out-of-service order, failing to appear for safety audits and re-registering in Montana to evade federal oversight. Several state and federal agencies were found to have failed in enforcing safety regulations.

In response, Gray introduced two pieces of legislation to strengthen passenger safety:

• A.5915, the “Comprehensive Passenger Safety Enhancement Act,” which mandates seat belt use, pre-trip safety briefings, regular vehicle safety inspections and strengthened compliance measures for commercial passenger vehicles. These requirements align with NTSB recommendations following the 2023 Louisville crash.
• A.7028, the “In-Route Safety Inspection for Motor Coach Vehicles Act,” which establishes mandatory in-route safety inspections for motor coaches carrying 16 or more passengers. The legislation aims to enhance operational oversight, reduce accident risks and bolster public confidence in motor coach travel.

“The continuous crashes and tragic fatalities on our roads are devastating, especially when we know there are simple, proven measures that can prevent them,” said Gray. “Beyond reinforcing the importance of always wearing your seatbelt, we must ensure regular vehicle inspections, pre-trip safety briefings and in-route safety checks to protect passengers.”

Last Friday, a tour bus returning from Niagara Falls with 54 passengers, ages 1 to 74, lost control on I-90, entered the median, over-corrected and overturned, killing five passengers and injuring dozens more. These incidents follow a series of similar crashes, including a 2023 Wawayanda crash where two deaths and numerous injuries were linked to underinflated tires. Investigators found that seat belts could have prevented fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for mandatory seat belt use and stricter safety inspections.

“I believe most people would agree that enhancing safety on our roads is not overreach, it is common sense,” Gray added. “We cannot stand by while preventable tragedies continue to claim lives. Every step we take to improve oversight and accountability in commercial passenger vehicles saves lives.”

Watch Gray’s interview on Capital Tonight here.