Limo company owner: Check safety records before booking

<p>A deadly limousine crash in upstate New York has many wondering if the rented vehicles they are riding in are safe.</p>

News 12 Staff

Oct 8, 2018, 8:37 PM

Updated 2,031 days ago

Share:

A deadly limousine crash in upstate New York has many wondering if the rented vehicles they are riding in are safe.
Twenty people were killed Saturday when a 2001 SUV modified into a stretch limo crashed into another vehicle in Schoharie, New York. The limo passengers were on their way to a birthday celebration.
It was the deadliest crash in the United States in almost a decade. Officials say that the vehicle failed inspection last month and was not supposed to be on the road.
“There’s guys out here that are going to do things just to make a quick buck,” says Kevin Truitt, who runs Tru Limo in Linden.
Truitt says that all limos and buses need to meet federal and state regulations. But he says that there are some companies out there that cut corners to save money.
Truitt says that if a limousine is modified into a stretch, its tires, rims and brakes need to be modified to take on the heavier weight.
Some safety features, such as seat belts and emergency exits, are not required by law in some limousines.
“If a limousine doesn't have seatbelts or doesn't have emergency exits…I wouldn't ride in it,” Truitt says.
Truitt says that he recommends checking the U.S. Department of Transportation’s online records system before booking a bus or limo company for an event.
“Pull up their safety records, you can see if they had crashes, if they failed inspections, if they don't have insurance. All that stuff is online,” he says. “I would say do your homework. And don't look for price. Look for quality of service.”
New York state officials ordered Prestige Limousine, the company involved in the Schoharie crash, to shut down while the investigation is ongoing.


More from News 12
2:19
Rent hikes may be coming for tenants in rent-stabilized apartments

Rent hikes may be coming for tenants in rent-stabilized apartments

1:54
Funeral held for DJ Mister Cee in Downtown Brooklyn

Funeral held for DJ Mister Cee in Downtown Brooklyn

1:54
Lingering showers end early Wednesday before sunnier skies arrive

Lingering showers end early Wednesday before sunnier skies arrive

1:48
Mayor's administration awards $12.3 million emergency contract to run migrant shelter in Brooklyn

Mayor's administration awards $12.3 million emergency contract to run migrant shelter in Brooklyn

1:51
Brooklyn animal shelter hopes to find pets forever homes on National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

Brooklyn animal shelter hopes to find pets forever homes on National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

0:23
Brooklyn man arrested, charged with forgery and larceny in Connecticut

Brooklyn man arrested, charged with forgery and larceny in Connecticut

1:45
Transportation Alternatives: 2024 was the deadliest start to a year since start of Vision Zero

Transportation Alternatives: 2024 was the deadliest start to a year since start of Vision Zero

2:12
Power restored to most residents in Brooklyn following semi-truck crash; driver still on the loose

Power restored to most residents in Brooklyn following semi-truck crash; driver still on the loose

0:23
NYPD: 15-year-old shot in the stomach overnight in Bed-Stuy

NYPD: 15-year-old shot in the stomach overnight in Bed-Stuy

1:40
Check out how cyclists are preparing for the upcoming Five Boro Bike Tour

Check out how cyclists are preparing for the upcoming Five Boro Bike Tour

0:28
New NYC Public Schools course will teach students about the impacts of hate crimes

New NYC Public Schools course will teach students about the impacts of hate crimes

0:31
FDNY: Firefighter among 3 people injured in Brownsville apartment fire

FDNY: Firefighter among 3 people injured in Brownsville apartment fire

0:31
NYPD identify 77-year-old fatally dragged by his car in Sheepshead Bay

NYPD identify 77-year-old fatally dragged by his car in Sheepshead Bay

1:29
Brooklyn Night Market takes over 36th Street in Industry City

Brooklyn Night Market takes over 36th Street in Industry City

1:26
Brooklyn residents flock to Coney Island to enjoy hot weather

Brooklyn residents flock to Coney Island to enjoy hot weather

1:45
Brooklyn man indicted for death of 3-year-old boy in East Flatbush

Brooklyn man indicted for death of 3-year-old boy in East Flatbush

1:56
New electric school buses to replace full NYC diesel fleet in by 2035

New electric school buses to replace full NYC diesel fleet in by 2035

0:59
City of Yes for Housing Opportunity hosted by Mayor Adams at City Hall

City of Yes for Housing Opportunity hosted by Mayor Adams at City Hall

1:41
Brooklyn Public Library hosts series of Black maternal mental health events

Brooklyn Public Library hosts series of Black maternal mental health events

0:33
Police ID 24-year-old victim in deadly East Flatbush shooting; 2 in custody

Police ID 24-year-old victim in deadly East Flatbush shooting; 2 in custody