TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Fred H. Madden and Bob Gordon, which would require wheelchair-bound riders in passenger vehicles be secured using a wheelchair securement device received unanimous final legislative approval today from the full Senate.

            “In the event of an accident, an unsecured wheelchair could be thrown forward through a windshield, seriously injuring its occupant, other passengers in that car, and others nearby,” said Senator Madden, D-Camden and Gloucester.  “Requiring that wheelchair-bound passengers be secured would help to prevent these types of accidents and increase safety for everyone who uses New Jersey’s roadways.”

            “As we move through the summer months, our roads will be come increasingly more crowded,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen.  “As traffic increases, so does the likelihood of dangerous accidents.  This legislation is another step in the right direction toward increasing passenger safety for all who travel New Jersey’s roads.”

            The Senators’ bill, S-989, 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 fine for drivers.

            This measure now heads to the Governor’s desk where his signature would make it State law. #