Lawmakers Consider Sightseeing Vehicle Regulations After Fatal Duck Boat Crash
BOSTON (CBS) – Family members of the woman hit and killed by a duck boat in April are testifying at the State House on Thursday, asking lawmakers to support a bill that would place new regulations on sightseeing vehicles.
Allison Warmuth was riding a scooter on April 30 when a Boston Duck Tours vehicle struck her in the area of Beacon and Charles Streets in Boston.
A committee hearing in the State House was packed on Thursday morning as testimony got underway.
Ivan Warmuth, Allison's father, was among those to address the committee, which will consider adding regulations for sightseeing vehicles.
"The scooter was lined up directly ahead of the duck boat, waiting in the right hand turn only lane to turn onto Beacon Street," Ivan recalled to the committee about the day his daughter was killed. "When the light turned green, both vehicles started to move. But the duck boat accelerated faster, overtook her, and ran her over.
Proposed regulations would prohibit drivers from being tour guides at the same time, and would also require blind spot cameras.
Representatives from sightseeing organizations told lawmakers that the regulations would come with a cost, which would in turn increase the cost for customers.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports.
