Georgians can take precautions after fatal N.Y. crash

After the limousine crash in upstate New York that left 20 people dead over the weekend, Georgians may be wondering what they can do to keep themselves safe when using a limousine service.

The New York crash was the deadliest in the nation in nearly 10 years, said representatives of the National Transportation and Safety Board, which is investigating the crash. The passengers, most of whom were family members, including four sisters, were killed when the limousine sped through a stop sign at an intersection and crashed into a parked SUV.

Federal investigators have not completed their report of the incident, but New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said that the limousine had failed an inspection last month and “was not supposed to be on the road.” According to news reports, surviving family members said the passengers, which included married couples, hired the service because they were going a brewery tour and didn’t want to drink and drive.

Limousines are required to be inspected in Georgia as well. Any limousine that’s eight passengers or less has to be inspected each year by a certified mechanic, according to the state Department of Public Safety. If the vehicle carries nine passengers or more it must be inspected by a certified Department of Public Safety motor carrier compliance officer and a certified GDOT mechanic.

For Georgians who may wonder how they can vet a limousine service before hiring them, there are a few things state officials say they can do. The Department of Public Safety lists all licensed “for-hire” limousine services on its website, gamccd.net. Limousine services fall under the same “for-hire” category as do taxis and ride-share services. “For-hire” replaces the old chauffeur’s license designation, said Susan Sport, Georgia Department of Drivers Services spokesperson.

Drivers Services offers the “endorsements” that appear on a person’s driver’s license. To get such an endorsement a person must have a valid driver’s license, be at least 18 years old, get fingerprinted, pass a background check and provide proof of employment.

Sport said the endorsement is required for limousine, taxi and ride share drivers. The Department of Public Safety warns consumers not to hire companies not listed on its website. The department also requires limousine drivers to apply for and receive a limousine carrier certificate. People who’ve been convicted of vehicular felonies are ineligible.

The Department of Public Safety also posts ratings for each of the limousine companies it regulates, but the ratings center focuses on customer service issues rather than driving records.