Bill to Secure Wheelchairs in Vehicles Prompted by Former Fort Lee Man’s Injury

Legislation that would require wheelchairs to be “properly secured” in vehicles “by a four-point restraint system” unanimously passed the New Jersey State Senate Thursday, according to a statement released by NJ Senate Republicans.

The bill (S-2876), which was sponsored by State Sen. Kevin O’Toole (R-40), was prompted by the case of a former Fort Lee man, Hanson Kim Tun Chan, 86, who suffered a broken neck while riding in an ambulance that was taking him to a physical therapy appointment, according to the statement, which also pointed out that current state law doesn’t require securing patients traveling in ambulances.

“It is vitally important that the most vulnerable among us are properly belted in while travelling in a vehicle,” O’Toole said. “It is basic common sense that if the State requires passengers in vehicles to be belted in then the same standard should apply to passengers who are traveling in wheelchairs.”

The bill requires that all wheelchairs—whether or not they are occupied—be “properly secured” in vehicles, and also requires passengers travelling in vehicles in wheelchairs to be secured, according to Senate Republicans.

The Republicans’ statement says Kim was a resident of Fort Lee “before being confined to Bergen Regional Medical Center.”

The bill now goes to the Assembly Transportation Committee.