Our community is mourning the tragic loss of this little boy, the critical status of his sister, and the emotional forever impact on these families. It is out of respect for them that we keep them in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
– Stephanie Crockatt, Executive Director the BOPC board and staff
Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday issued an executive order for the state Department of Transportation to lower the speed limit on the Scajaquada Expressway to 30 mph following Saturday’s tragic vehicle accident that claimed the life of a 3-year-old boy and left his 5-year-old sister in critical condition.
Cuomo directed New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald to install speed messaging boards, and construct park-appropriate guard rails to protect pedestrians. Crews had already installed new speed limit signs late Sunday afternoon.
Cuomo sent the following letter to the commissioner on Sunday:
Dear Commissioner McDonald:
I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic car crash in Buffalo on Saturday that claimed the life of a young child and severely injured another.
While law enforcement agencies are still investigating the circumstances surrounding this terrible crash, it is clear that immediate action needs to be taken to improve safety for motorists and pedestrians on the portion of the Scajaquada Expressway that passes through Delaware Park.
For this reason, I direct you to immediately lower the speed limit on this section of the roadway to 30 mph, install speed messaging boards, and construct park-appropriate guard rails to protect pedestrians.
These actions are to be taken as the Department of Transportation continues to investigate long-term solutions to prevent further tragedies on this part of the Expressway.
This administration will continue to take every available action we can through engineering, education and enforcement to avoid crashes like this in the future.
Sincerely,
Andrew M. Cuomo
