New Safety Rules Approved After Fatal Massachusetts Duck Boat Accident

Massachusetts lawmakers have given final approval to new safety rules for amphibious sightseeing vehicles, more commonly known as duck boats.

The bill was enacted by the House and Senate during informal sessions.

The measure would require all duck boat operators to separate the responsibilities of driver and tour guide. It also calls for blind spot cameras and proximity sensors on all the vehicles.

The legislation was filed following the April death of 28-year-old Allison Warmuth, who was struck and killed by a Boston Duck Tours vehicle while riding a scooter near Boston Common.

The company has since announced that it will no longer allow duck boat drivers to narrate tours.

A spokesman for Republican Governor Charlie Baker said he was looking forward to reviewing the bill on his desk.