MADDEN BILL WOULD INCREASE SAFETY FOR WHEELCHAIR-BOUND PASSENGERS ON ROADS

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Fred H. Madden which would require that wheelchair-bound riders in passenger automobiles be secured using a wheelchair securement device was unanimously approved today by the Senate Transportation Committee.

“The goal of this bill is to increase safety for all passengers, wheelchair bound or otherwise,” said Senator Madden, D-Camden and Gloucester, who serves as Vice Chair of the Senate Transportation panel. “In the event of an accident, an unsecured wheelchair could be thrown forward, seriously injuring its occupant, other people in the car, and in extreme cases, injuring passengers in other cars. Safety regulations must always be followed when operating or riding in a vehicle, and this legislation would strengthen safety measures for everyone on our roadways.”

Senator Madden’s bill, S-2573, calls for all wheelchair passengers to be secured with a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards approved securement device.

Under the bill, “passenger automobiles” includes vans, pick-up trucks and utility vehicles.

Failure to comply with the bill’s provisions would result in a $100 dollar fine for drivers.

This measure now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

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