S2573

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.”