North Country Leader

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush has expressed his support for Assembly Bill A.3938, known as the “Alexander John Smullen Traffic Safety Memorial Law.” The bill aims to create a statewide traffic safety memorial sign program in New York. This initiative would allow families to commemorate loved ones who died in traffic accidents and serve as a reminder of the risks associated with reckless driving.

The bill is named after Alexander John “AJ” Smullen, the son of Assemblyman Robert Smullen, who was killed at 14 when struck by a vehicle on February 22, 2024. The incident underscores the need for increased awareness and measures to improve road safety throughout New York.

“This bill is about turning tragedy into a tool for change,” said Blankenbush. “By allowing families to install memorial signs, we not only honor those who have been lost but also encourage drivers to be more mindful and responsible behind the wheel. Assemblyman Smullen has shown remarkable resilience in championing this cause, and I am proud to stand with him in pushing for its passage. This is not just about remembering lives lost—it’s about preventing future tragedies.”