Mohawk Valley Times

Assemblyman Robert Smullen, representing the Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks, introduced Assembly Bill A.3938 at a press conference in Albany on February 25, 2025. The bill proposes the "Alexander John Smullen Traffic Safety Memorial Law," aimed at establishing a program for traffic safety memorial signs to honor victims of fatal vehicle collisions.

The press conference saw participation from several Senate and Assembly members across party lines, as well as community representatives. Notable attendees included Senate Minority Leader Robert G. Ortt, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, Sen. George M. Borrello, Sen. Patricia Fahy, Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, NYS PTA Executive Director Kyle Belokopitsky, and Donate Life New York State Executive Director Aisha M. Tator.

The legislation is named after Smullen's son, Alexander John "AJ" Smullen, who died on March 6, 2024, following an accident where he was hit by a car on February 22 of the same year. Smullen emphasized that this law would enable families or friends to purchase signs in memory of victims of fatal accidents while raising awareness about the dangers of impaired or reckless driving.

"I am honored to introduce the ‘Alexander John Smullen Traffic Safety Memorial Law,’ said Smullen. “My son passed away on March 6, 2024, in Albany at the age of 14 following a fierce fight in the Pediatric ICU after being hit by a car on Feb. 22, 2024." He also referenced another tragic incident involving Faith A. McFarland and Sean C. Bracken who were killed in a head-on collision caused by a drunk driver on August 21, 2022.

Smullen highlighted that such fatal accidents are not uncommon and stressed the need for action to curb rising vehicle deaths in New York State.

For more information about Assembly Bill A.3938 or to view footage from the press conference held on February 25th, please refer to additional resources provided by Assemblyman Smullen's office.