Senator Martins' Bill Protecting Ambulances Becomes Law
Jack M. Martins
July 20, 2011
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ISSUE:
- Local Government
- Paramedics
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COMMITTEE:
- Local Government
A bill sponsored by Senator Jack M. Martins to give ambulances and other emergency vehicles better protection was signed into law. The bill legislation gives ambulances and other emergency service vehicles the option of using rear projecting blue lights to prevent the possibility of being struck at night.
Previous law allowed for blue lights to be affixed to police and fire vehicles. Senator Martins’ bill gives ambulances the same protection by allowing ambulances to be equipped with blue lights so that emergency service vehicles that are responding can easily be seen. Studies have shown that the blue light is the most noticeable light, and as a result, provides the highest level of safety.
“We should do everything we can to ensure that our responders can do their jobs of savings lives without being in danger,” said Senator Martins. “By affixing blue lights to the ambulances, emergency service personnel will be seen more easily by passing motorists. They deserve to be able to fully concentrate on their jobs without having to worry about their safety.”