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Most weddings occur in the summer in the U.S. Part of wedding planning involves transportation, and wedding planners often seek limousine services. However, recent deadly limousine accidents have put a spotlight on limousine safety.  However, recent deadly limousine accidents have put a spotlight on limousine safety.

According to crashworthiness experts, often, stretch limousines are converted cars or SUVs. When these vehicles are lengthened and new seating configurations are added, these vehicles can undercut the federally-mandated safety features, which were designed by the original manufacturer.

Gadi Schwartz, a TODAY investigative reporter, said on May 28, 2019 that during a recent crash-test simulation of a limousine accident, the dummy riders, representing actual vehicle occupants, may have suffered severe injuries, even when the limousine was going at lower speeds.

The weight of limousines can often be heavier than the original vehicle because of the modifications and the increase in the number of occupants. The added weight can create a greater required braking distance.

Maneuverability with longer, heavier vehicles is concerning. Also, they are often driven at higher speeds to reach destinations.

Passengers may often feel safer in limousines and forego wearing seat belts, which can cause them to move around when an accident happens. Most states require front-seat passengers to wear seatbelts.  However, Florida does not require back-seat passengers to wear them.

A limousine is considered a common carrier in Florida. A common carrier is defined as an individual or company that offers transportation of people or goods for money. A common carrier is required to provide a safe means of transportation. The limousine company can be liable for their driver’s negligence.

A stretch limousine involved in an October 2018 New York crash was a retrofitted 2001 Ford Excursion that originally seated nine people. Years later, it held 18 passengers seated along the sides.

In a New York Times article in October 2018, Mr. Raul Arbelaez, an engineer with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, said, “When you modify a vehicle this much, the algorithms for electronic stability control would not work because you’ve changed the length and mass. Brakes and tires are typically designed around the size of the vehicle, and increasing the mass changes the vehicle dynamics.”

How Do You Know Your Limo Is Safe?

The New York Democrat & Chronicle recommends the following:

1.      Check federal records

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has a searchable Safety and Fitness Electronic Records system which can be accessed at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. The information includes a company's operating status, the number of vehicles and drivers, and inspection records. It also includes crashes reported to FMCSA in the previous 24 months.

2.      Ask about driver credentials 

Check to see whether the driver is qualified, medically fit to drive, has undergone a criminal background check and has a clean driving record.

3.      Ask about DOT inspections

Ask whether the limousine was inspected by the Department of Transportation, and check the federal records as well.

4.      Check references and reviews

Online consumer reviews are another way to check whether companies have issues. Check the operators' Facebook pages, Google reviews, Yelp and other review sites.

5.      Use your eyes and ears

Before you head out, have a conversation with the driver to discern whether he or she is alert and coherent. Also, take a look at the vehicle for issues, such as cracked windows or worn floorboards. During the trip, call 911 if you believe that you may be in danger.

“Our experienced legal team can assist you or a loved one who has been injured in an accident because of someone’s negligence. We are available 24/7, and there are no costs or attorney fees unless we make a monetary recovery for you,” said Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney,Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.