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ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Sen. Charles Schumer is urging federal safety officials to raise standards for stretch limousines following the fatal crash on Long Island that killed four young women.
In letters to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and to National Transportation Safety Board, he says standards need to be higher to protect passengers in stretch limos and other motor coaches altered in the aftermarket.
The New York Democrat wants the agencies to investigate their crash worthiness and review and issue new regulations.
Schumer says later vehicle changes can be drastic, like lengthening the chassis but lacking structurally sound frames, removing emergency exits and adding seats without needed side-impact air bags.
He says it's distressing that many passengers don't even know of the risk.
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