Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – Roadside memorials are a common sight at the scene of tragic accidents on highways. At least one NewsChannel 9 viewer worries that they can become a distraction for drivers and wants to know if there are regulations in place for memorials.
Gene Cilento of the New York State Department of Transportation says that there are no regulations in place for such memorials. He says the DOT does have the power to remove a memorial if they become a safety concern, however.
If a memorial impedes the flow of traffic or blocks a driver's view, for example, the DOT can remove the memorial. In addition, if the memorial is causing large crowds to gather, it could be a cause for the DOT to remove it because it isn’t safe for the pedestrians.
He added that if the DOT does remove a memorial, personnel make every effort to return the contents to the family members who placed it there.
If you have a question for the Your Stories team, call (315) 446-9900 or email YourStories@9wsyr.com.
