Wheelchair passengers will be safer during transportation under changes to the Highway Traffic Act that came into December 1, 2015. This announcement was made by Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton.
“This legislation enhances the safety of people transported in wheelchairs with restraint systems that are comparable to the seating and seatbelt requirements for passengers in regular vehicle seats,” said Minister Ashton. “Wheelchair passengers need to be safe and secure, and the amendments will help ensure their safety.”
The amendments ensure people being transported in wheelchairs are using mobility aid securement and occupant restraint (MASOR) systems, prohibiting drivers from driving unless every wheelchair occupied by a person in a motor vehicle is properly secured and every person occupying a wheelchair in a motor vehicle is properly restrained by an occupant restraint system.
Supporting provincial regulations will:
- prescribe equipment standards for MASOR systems;
- exempt certain classes of people and vehicles from the new legislative requirements including drivers of personal vehicles and drivers of regular or scheduled service municipal transit buses; and
- require vehicles that transport people in wheelchairs including school buses and vehicles operated by handi-transit services, accessible taxi services, community care homes and health-care facilities to be equipped with MASOR systems that meet the standards unless exempt in the regulation.
