Rockland Tragedy Sparks Airbag Legislation
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation that prohibits used car dealers from selling vehicles at retail without a functioning airbag.
This bill is entitled “Anthony Amoros’ Law” after a young man from Rockland who died in a car crash in a car that, unbeknownst to him, was sold to him without airbags. Under this legislation, certificates given to vehicle buyers must certify that the vehicle is equipped with an airbag, as well as a readiness indicator light that indicates the airbag is functioning.
“Every New Yorker deserves to be safe on the road and behind the wheel,” Governor Hochul said. “It’s crucial that drivers have the protection of an airbag in case tragedy strikes, which is why this new legislation is so important. I’m honored to sign this bill into law in memory of Anthony Amoros and grateful to his family for their advocacy to honor his memory.”
Currently, there is no requirement that a used vehicle sold by a dealer would need to have a working airbag. This leaves drivers vulnerable, as they could be operating a vehicle without one of the most critical safety devices, and potentially without even knowing. By requiring all used vehicles to contain a functioning airbag, car buyers will have assurance that their vehicle is safe to drive.
State Senator James Skoufis said, “With the ‘Anthony Amoros Law’ now on the books, countless lives will be saved on the road. I am deeply grateful to Rockland County’s Amoros Family for their unwavering commitment to ensuring that drivers all over this state are protected behind the wheel. I also want to thank my colleague, Assemblymember Zebrowski, for his ongoing resolve to get this legislation across the finish line, and to Governor Hochul for protecting New York’s drivers.”
Assemblymember Ken Zebrowski said, “This law makes New York safer for motorists and honors a remarkable young Rocklander. When a car is supposed to have an airbag, and that airbag is missing or unworkable, tragedy awaits. You can’t sell a car without seatbelts, and now you can’t sell an equipped car without an airbag. Thank you to Governor Hochul for signing this lifesaving measure and to the Amoros family for their collaboration and inspiring advocacy.”
