By Press-Republican Staff. July 18, 2019
PLATTSBURGH — North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is a co-sponsor of Sami’s Law, named after Samantha Josephson, a 21-year old University of South Carolina Student who was tragically murdered after getting into a stranger’s car she mistakenly thought was her Uber ride.
In response to their daughter’s death, the Josephsons are now seeking to educate ride-share passengers on safety best practices, using the acronym S-A-M-I (“Stop, Ask, Match, Inform”) to teach riders to be alert to their surroundings, ensure the car they are entering is the correct ride-share vehicle, ask the driver to identify them by name, and tell friends to track their ride in case they need help. according to a news release from Stefanik (R-Schuylerville).
NEVER AGAIN
The legislation implements new requirements for ride-share vehicles and drivers, including mandatory front and rear license plates, a scan-able ‘quick response’ code on passenger windows, and illuminated windshield signs visible in both day and night from a distance of at least 50 feet.
“The death of Samantha Josephson was an unimaginable tragedy that should never occur again,” Stefanik said in a statement.
“The increase in ride-share accessibility is beneficial for those who do not own a car or have reliable public transportation, and is a useful tool for our communities as a whole. In order for these services to continue, safety technology must increase.”
GRIEVE WITH THEM
Stefanik said Sami’s Law will raise awareness and promote safety best practices for passengers, as well as require the implementation of new technologies to ensure ride-share vehicles and drivers are as transparent to their passengers as possible.
“It is my hope that the passage of this bill will be a small consolation to the Josephson family as our country continues to grieve their daughter with them,” Stefanik said.
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