Limousine drivers in Ottawa are shocked and saddened following a deadly limousine crash in New York Saturday that killed 20 people.
On Tuesday, while Richard Steeves from Elite Limousines conducts his routine safety check, he says he’s thinking of that fatal crash.
“20 people, a stretch, what could have happened? That’s the question on my mind,” Steeves said.
New York’s Governor says the driver of the vehicle involved in that fatal crash did not have the right license, and that the vehicle had recently failed an inspection.
“It was not supposed to be on the road,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Steeves says in Ontario there are strict safety regulation to follow to prevent incidents, but says some drivers have broken the rules.
“They’re crossing their fingers every time they pull into a stop, their breaks are so bad,” Steeves said.
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is working to get unsafe vehicles off the road.
In Ontario a limousine that holds 10 passengers or more is recognized as a bus, and must follow the same rules put in place for commercial vehicles. Those rules are as follows:
The owner of Elite Limousines, who is also a member of Ontario’s Limousine Owners Association, says safety is a top priority.
“I know in my company, we have a big policy in following these standards with the MTO,” said Hussain Mahmoud.
Next Monday, there is an annual general meeting for limousine drivers taking place in Toronto. Mahmoud said safety standards will be addressed in this province.
“This will be the first thing on our agenda, to make sure other companies have the appropriate drivers, with the appropriate license to drive certain vehicles, and insurance wise as well,” he added.