New York state Assemblyman Robert Smullen is pushing a bipartisan bill to raise awareness around the fatal consequences of impaired and reckless driving. 

The legislation is named after Smullen's son, Alexander John Smullen, who died at the age of 14 last March after being hit by a car.

The bill would enact a traffic safety memorial program that gives families the opportunity to purchase a sign to memorialize victims of fatal vehicle collisions.

These signs along state roadways would serve as a reminder of the importance of driving safely.

Smullen points to a 2024 report released by the state comptroller's office that found fatal vehicle accidents rose by 25% from 2019 to 2022.

"These statistics are outrageous. They're real people, real New Yorkers that are affected by this," Smullen said. "When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade and that's what my wife and I have chosen to do. Not to just stand up and speak, but to act."

Smullen represents New York's 118th state Assembly District, which includes parts of the Mohawk Valley and southern Adirondacks.