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 2,038 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
Airport official: Passenger tried to bring fake grenade through security at Tweed New Haven Airport

Airport official: Passenger tried to bring fake grenade through security at Tweed New Haven Airport

1:33
Afternoon welcomes sunshine and temps pushing 80 degrees to Connecticut

Afternoon welcomes sunshine and temps pushing 80 degrees to Connecticut

Stamford officials: Turn of River Middle School briefly placed in a shelter-in-place over altercation

Stamford officials: Turn of River Middle School briefly placed in a shelter-in-place over altercation

1:45
Man's 14-month journey walking across America wraps up in New Haven

Man's 14-month journey walking across America wraps up in New Haven

2:22
Officials eye plan to charge for on-street parking in New Canaan to solve parking complaints

Officials eye plan to charge for on-street parking in New Canaan to solve parking complaints

1:58
Residents at Bridgeport's Greene Homes community to be part of planning process for new complex

Residents at Bridgeport's Greene Homes community to be part of planning process for new complex

0:26
Freight train catches fire in Stamford; Metro-North now operating on or close to schedule

Freight train catches fire in Stamford; Metro-North now operating on or close to schedule

Deadline to get a Real ID is May 7, 2025. Here's how to get one in Connecticut.

Deadline to get a Real ID is May 7, 2025. Here's how to get one in Connecticut.

1:43
Garden Guide: These plants repel weeds and are a natural fertilizer!

Garden Guide: These plants repel weeds and are a natural fertilizer!

2:46
8 tips for children walking or bicycling to school

8 tips for children walking or bicycling to school

2:20
Connecticut's workforce celebrates new legislation guaranteeing paid sick time

Connecticut's workforce celebrates new legislation guaranteeing paid sick time

0:32
Police: Man wanted for Torrington bank robbery

Police: Man wanted for Torrington bank robbery

2:23
Stew Leonard’s considers 2nd attempt at bringing store to Orange

Stew Leonard’s considers 2nd attempt at bringing store to Orange

2:21
Stamford man recovers from rare Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Stamford man recovers from rare Rocky Mountain spotted fever

2:43
EXCLUSIVE: Bridgeport truck driver whose flatbed was struck in fiery I-95 crash says he’s grateful to be alive

EXCLUSIVE: Bridgeport truck driver whose flatbed was struck in fiery I-95 crash says he’s grateful to be alive

0:53
Bridgeport plans to restore the Perry Memorial Arch

Bridgeport plans to restore the Perry Memorial Arch

0:30
Little Feat to headline Milford’s 50th Oyster Festival

Little Feat to headline Milford’s 50th Oyster Festival

0:41
US provides $3 million relief funding toward reconstructing Fairfield Avenue Bridge in Norwalk

US provides $3 million relief funding toward reconstructing Fairfield Avenue Bridge in Norwalk

0:42
AT&T lauds nearly $500M investment in network infrastructure across Connecticut

AT&T lauds nearly $500M investment in network infrastructure across Connecticut

0:32
'Be careful when you're on your cellphone'. Bridgeport officials relay safety message following pedestrian accidents

'Be careful when you're on your cellphone'. Bridgeport officials relay safety message following pedestrian accidents