California lawmakers consider limousine safety rules
Two recent fires involving limousines in California have resulted in new safety legislation in Sacramento.
Sen. Ellen M. Corbett (D-San Leandro) introduced a bill Monday that would require two exit doors in the rear portion of a limousine to allow quick evacuation, and at least two windows that can be pushed out for escape in an emergency.
Five women were killed May 4 when a fire engulfed a limousine on the San-Mateo-Hayward Bridge. Most of the victims were nurses heading to a hotel bridal party.
On Sunday, 10 women heading to a birthday party escaped from a limousine after it caught fire.
“Though four young women luckily survived the horrible fire on the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge, the fact remains that five women perished unnecessarily and in a way that seems both incomprehensible and preventable.” Corbett said in a statement.
“SB 109 will hopefully ensure that a tragedy such as the one that occurred on the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge on that fateful night never again happens.”
The bill is to be considered in the coming weeks in the Assembly Transportation Committee.
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