Photo: Colors Hunter - Chasseur de Couleurs / Moment / Getty Images
In Niskayuna, a tragic accident has prompted Assemblyman Robert Smullen to demand urgent safety measures on Route 7. On Tuesday (February 25), 59-year-old Angela Fisher-Reid was fatally struck by a car near the Bellevue Woman's Center, the same location where Smullen's son, AJ, was hit and later died last year.
Assemblyman Smullen is advocating for immediate changes to improve safety at this dangerous intersection. Just hours before the accident, he introduced the "Alexander John Smullen Traffic Safety Memorial Law" in Albany, named in honor of his late son. The proposed legislation aims to allow families to place memorial signs on highways where fatal accidents occur, raising awareness and encouraging safer driving.
Smullen plans to hold an event on March 3 to unveil a memorial sign for AJ and to urge drivers to slow down. He emphasized the need for the New York Department of Transportation (DOT) to expedite safety improvements on this hazardous stretch of road.
Local residents, including Kris Sardella, have voiced concerns about the frequent accidents in the area. Sardella, who has witnessed multiple fatal incidents, plans to start a petition for a traffic light installation. Smullen has pledged to support the petition and ensure it reaches state officials.
The crash investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Niskayuna Police Department.