Following the deadly Schoharie limo crash in October of 2018, lawmakers began working on federal Limousine safety guidelines, but some drivers in New York State say the crash, COVID and state guidelines are putting them out of business.
Another major issue has been insurance. Executive Limousine’s Steven Figueroa says he’s being driven out of business by the cost of insurance. He says for one limousine he was looking at $14,000 a year – double the amount since the crash.
“I’ve talked to other companies in the area some of them have taken limos off the road, because it’s not enough revenue coming in maintain the business,” said Figueroa. “[That] one incident really affects a lot of companies that are in regulation and following DOT policies. I’m still feeling hopeful. I put a lot into this business, a lot of blood, sweat and tears… and just don’t want to let it go.”
Currently, senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand are pushing federal legislation to get unsafe limos off the road and close federal safety loopholes.
Source: WRGB