Requires the use of seatbelts by volunteer firefighters

1 Co-sponsor

• William J. Larkin Jr.

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the use of seatbelts by volunteer firefighters

Purpose or general idea of the bill

To require emergency vehicles to comply with requirements relating to use of seatbelts.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of the bill adds a new subdivision 14 to § 1229-c of the Vehicle & Traffic Law to require volunteer firefighters and emergency service personnel to utilize seatbelts unless they are administering medical treatment to a patient in the rear compartment of an ambulance.

Section 2 of the bill is the effective date.

Justification

In 1984, NYS adopted § 1229-c of the NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law. This law sets forth the rules for operation of vehicles that have safety or seat belts. In general, this law requires operators and passengers of "motor vehicles" to be restrained by safety belts. However, certain vehicles are exempt from the law's requirements. Under §1229-c, "authorized emergency vehicles" are exempt from the definition of the term "motor vehicle". These vehicles were excluded from the requirements of § 1229-c since the operators of these vehicles needed the ability to perform their duties in an unhampered fashion. The term "authorized emergency vehicle" is defined under §101 of the Vehicle & Traffic Law and is defined to include fire and ambulance vehicles. As a result, fire and ambulance vehicles are exempt from the requirement to use safety or seat belts.

Use of seat belts promotes safety and saves lives. Since buckling a seat belt takes just a few seconds, fire and ambulance vehicles should be required to use them. This bill is strongly supported by the Fireman's Association of the State of New York.

Legislative history

2008: S.7478 Transportation Committee

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.