Vanessa Bryant urges Congress to pass helicopter safety law honoring late husband and daughter
Vanessa Bryant is doing everything she can to help prevent helicopter crashes, like the one that killed her husband, Kobe Bryant, and their 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.
The 38-year-old is petitioning Congress to pass the Kobe and Gianna Bryant Helicopter Safety Act.
The law was introduced by Democratic lawmakers on Thursday, and -- if passed -- would mandate helicopters that carry six or more passengers be upgraded with additional safety equipment, such as a Terrain Awareness and Warning System. Additional upgrades may include cockpit and flight data recorders.
"I strongly urge that the United States Congress pass a federal law that would improve the safety of helicopters operating in this country," Bryant announced in a statement obtained by "Good Morning America."
"I believe there is a chance that Kobe and Gianna would still be alive today if their helicopter had been equipped with the safety equipment required by this pending federal legislation," she continued.
It's her hope the legislation would protect families from suffering the same tragedy.
"I believe that these safety measures will save many lives," said Bryant, adding that "aircraft companies must do their part to protect lives."
Kobe, 41, Gianna and seven others died in a helicopter crash in California on Jan. 26. It's believed the dense fog in the area disoriented the pilot, who was unaware the helicopter was losing altitude.
