The parents of a woman who was struck and killed by a duck boat in Massachusetts are calling on the state to approve new safety rules for the amphibious sightseeing vessels.
Ivan and Martha Warmuth joined several lawmakers on Wednesday to announce the filing of legislation that would prohibit duck boat drivers from also serving as narrator and tour guide for passengers. The measure would mandate blind-spot cameras and proximity sensors on the vehicles.
Ivan Warmuth says he believes his 28-year-old daughter, Allison Warmuth, would be alive today if those rules had been in place. She was struck by a Boston Duck Tours vehicle while riding a scooter near Boston Common on April 30.
A statement from Boston Duck Tours reads, ""Safety has always been the number one priority for Boston Duck Tours. We have rigorous standards, training and oversight along with a fleet of modern duck boats, designed to insure the safety of the motoring public and pedestrians. In the weeks since the tragic accident, we have taken several steps to further enhance the safety of the vehicles to ensure that it is at the highest possible level."
It adds, "We have already installed a new camera on each duck, which will complement the eight existing mirrors to address any blind spots. We also plan to add sensory equipment to the front and back of the vehicle in the near term. We await the conclusion of the City of Boston's investigation and will collaborate with them on any additional safety procedures that they recommend."
