It’s been a tough winter and our state roads are in unacceptable condition. As a State Senator, I can’t force DOT pave any specific road, but my office has been laser focused on what we can do to help with this basic quality of life concern. In addition to securing dedicated funding to our DOT region in the Senate’s proposed budget, I’ve introduced a bill that aims to help with the cost of repairs:
The Safe Roads Act (S.9547), fixes a burdensome loophole in state law. Currently, New York is not liable for damages suffered from defects or dangerous conditions on state roads between November 16 – April 30. We’re one of the only states in the country with this specific window; even Maine and Michigan – who have equally harsh or harsher winters than New York – are “notice and negligence” states. This bill would shift liability to the state if the defect or dangerous condition has been reported and gone unfixed.
Simply put, drivers should not be forced to cover the costs of damages to their vehicles due to no fault of their own, and I’m going to fight to see this legislation passed.
