ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION No. 172

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

211th LEGISLATURE

INTRODUCED MAY 20, 2004

Sponsored by:

Assemblyman FRANCIS L. BODINE

District 8 (Burlington)

SYNOPSIS

    Memorializes Rowan University to study feasibility of using black boxes in emergency vehicles.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

    As introduced.

An Assembly Resolution memorializing Rowan University to study the feasibility of using black boxes in emergency vehicles.

Whereas, Unresolved fatal motor vehicle accidents leave many unanswered questions; and

Whereas, Grieving families are denied the comfort of closure; and

Whereas, Safety officials lack sufficient and meaningful factual information to assess and evaluate the causal factors, making it impossible for these professionals to develop and establish adequate safeguards to protect the public in the future; and

Whereas, Black boxes have long been used in the airline industries to reconstruct events leading up to an airplane crash; and

Whereas, Safety officials who are afforded this data can develop a greater understanding of the cause of the accident; and

Whereas, Emergency vehicles are particularly vulnerable to accidents, as they must confront great peril in response to an emergency call; and

Whereas, It is fitting to evaluate the state of technology and determine whether and how technology such as black boxes can be used to create safeguards for society and help to collect information in events such as fatal accidents; and

Whereas, It is appropriate that serious discussions about the use of black box technology take place in an academic environment; and

Whereas, Rowan University has outstanding faculty, staff and students well-versed in uses of technology and innovative and novel ways in which to utilize technology; and

Whereas, The specialists at Rowan University have expressed an interest in examining the feasibility of using black boxes in emergency vehicles; and

Whereas, It is fitting and proper for Rowan University to undertake a study to determine the feasibility of using black boxes in emergency vehicles; now, therefore,

    Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

    1. Rowan University is respectfully memorialized to undertake a study of the feasibility of using black boxes in emergency vehicles. Rowan University is further memorialized to report any findings and recommendations from such a study to the Governor and Legislature.

    2. Duly authenticated copies of this resolution, signed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and attested by the Clerk of the General Assembly, shall be transmitted to the President of Rowan University.

STATEMENT

    This resolution memorializes Rowan University to undertake a study of the feasibility of using black boxes in emergency vehicles. It is the sponsor's belief that the use of black boxes in emergency vehicles can help provide vital information in the event of a fatal accident.