| Governor McKee Signs Firefighter Safety Measure Creating State Electric Vehicle Database
WEST WARWICK, RI – On Tuesday, Governor Dan McKee was joined by bill sponsors, the West Warwick Fire Department, the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal, firefighters and advocates to ceremonially sign legislation (H7135A [webserver.rilegislature.gov]/S2181A [webserver.rilegislature.gov]) that creates and maintains a statewide electric vehicle identification database to support firefighter safety.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, electric vehicle fires can be difficult to extinguish due to the potential for hidden, delayed thermal events after crashes, creating special hazards for responders, including electric shock risks and environmental contamination.
The database, maintained by the State Fire Marshal's Office and the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, will identify all electric and hybrid motor vehicles powered in whole or in part by high-voltage lithium-ion batteries, providing firefighters with a centralized resource to help identify these vehicles and respond more safely and effectively during emergencies. |
