KLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services Offers Limousine Service Safety Tips in the Wake of New York Tragedy

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --The nation was stunned the weekend of October 6 as news spread of one of the worst traffic accidents in recent history. Eighteen passengers and two pedestrian bystanders were killed when a stretch limousine sped past a stop sign and slammed into an unoccupied SUV, leaving no survivors inside the vehicle. In the days that followed, the operator of the limousine company was arrested, while reports indicated that the limousine in the accident had failed to pass a legally required inspection and its driver had not been properly licensed. KLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services founder Alex Darbahani said he was still shocked by the loss of life. "Of course, we send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of all the victims; it's impossible for anyone who hasn't been through something like to understand what it's like to lose people this way," said Mr. Darbahani. "However, for the rest of us, it's essential that people understand that not all limousine services are alike. Prospective limousine service customers need to protect themselves and their loved ones by making sure they know the companies they're using."

"In general, limousine travel is extremely safe, and the threat of a fatal accident is very low compared to the risk most of us take every day when we drive to work," said Mr. Darhabani. "Responsible operators take great care to ensure that their vehicles are completely safe and that their drivers are properly trained. At KLS, we try to go far beyond the required minimums. Unfortunately, not every company is like that and a few obviously don't even meet the legally required minimum standards. That's why it's essential that people who are planning events make sure they are only considering providers who are reputable and legitimate. For example, people who are in the Los Angeles area can check with the PUC [Public Utilities Commission] to make sure a company is properly licensed and insured. Also, companies in California should have what we call a TCP [transportation charter permit] license number. In New York it's a TLC [Taxi Licensing Commission] number" said Mr. Darbahani. "It's also important to make sure that you are working with a direct provider of limousine services. There are a number of third party limousine service providers who work with multiple services and who may not know anything about the companies they work with," he said.

"Another tip for people in California," says Mr. Darbahani, "has something to do with the limousine retrofit law [SB 109]. It means that stretch limousines with five doors have to have at least two pop-out style window emergency exits or an escape hatch in the roof. If it has only four doors it needs the emergency windows and the roof escape door," said Mr. Darbahani. "That's to make sure that people can escape a limousine quickly if a fire breaks out. If you get into a California limousine that isn't equipped this way, do not take it. It's a clear sign that your limousine service is disobeying the law and there may be even worse safety problems in the vehicle."

Mr. Darbahani continues. "Of course, here at KLS, we give safety the very highest priority. To start with, we painstakingly maintaining our world-class line-up of limousines so that they are always in top condition. At the same time, we get our vehicles new and we keep them for a maximum of three to four years, well before wear-and-tear starts to make them less than perfectly safe. We also replace our tires every 20,000 miles, regardless of how they appear," Mr. Darbahani said. "Our in-house mechanic often takes vehicles off the road for issues that most people would think we're very minor."

"It's not just the cars, though; it's also the person who's driving it. Having trained chauffeurs who are skilled and extremely safe drivers with outstanding records is a must when people are driving eight passenger stretch limousines and other vehicles, Mr. Darbahani added. "We monitor all of our drivers while they're on the road with our DVR system, which allows us to keep very detailed track of them both in real time and afterwards. And, finally, we do random drug testing just to ensure that more serious problems never emerge. Of course, we've also been passing CHP inspections on a regular basis without any problem," said Mr. Darbahani. "This is second nature to us and it should be for everyone in our field. People who want to protect the safety of themselves and their loved ones should make sure that the company they work with takes safety as seriously as we do. Cut-rate services that might skimp on safety are the opposite of a bargain," he said.

For more information about KLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services, readers can call 855-308-5466 or visit the KLS website at https://klsla.com. They can also email the firm at corporatetravel@klsla.com.

SOURCE KLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services