The “Alexander John Smullen Traffic Safety Memorial Law,” sponsored by New York State Assemblyman Robert J. Smullen in honor of his son, “AJ,” – who was hit by a car in Feb. 22, 2024, and despite “a fierce fight” for his life, died of his injuries at the age of 14 on March 6 of that year – was signed into New York State law by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Dec. 12.
Also known as Assembly Bill A.3938-B/S.5568-B, according to a statement, “the law will establish a traffic safety memorial sign program to publicly memorialize victims of fatal vehicle collisions.”
“It is very inspiring to see this common-sense, bipartisan proposal become law,” said Smullen, R-118, in a statement. “This law, which honors the life and legacy of my son AJ, will help bring peace to families of victims killed in vehicle collisions and also help keep everyone safe on the road.”
Smullen looks forward to seeing the memorial signs along the Empire State’s roadways, with “each and every“ one “placed in honor of individuals tragically killed in vehicle collisions in the state.”
Smullen’s hope is that the signs will serve as a reminder to all who drive in New York State that “the consequences of impaired, reckless, or distracted driving are often deadly.”
Law enjoys unanimous bi-partisan support in both chambers.
Smullen saw 78 New York Assembly colleagues from both sides of the aisle co-sponsor the “Alexander John Smullen Traffic Safety Memorial Law,” including Marianne Buttenschon, D-119. The bill passed unanimously, 146-0.
In the New York State Senate, the bill was advanced by 13 bi-partisan co-sponsors and passed unanimously, 59-0, including a yay from Utica’s Senate representative, Joe Griffo, R-53.
Concluded Smullen in a statement, “advocating for this law has been a passion of mine and my family for the last two years. AJ’s life, and the lives of so many others, were taken too soon. It is a triumph that this bill has been signed into law and can now be implemented to improve traffic safety, reduce collisions and save lives statewide.”
