Res. No. 1062

Resolution calling upon the United States Congress to pass and the President to sign legislation requiring automobile manufacturers to include carbon monoxide detectors in all cars sold in the United States.

By Council Members Rodriguez and Chin

                     Whereas, Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas produced by automobile engines, which in high concentrations is deadly to human beings; and

                     Whereas, Carbon monoxide has been implicated in numerous accidental deaths, typically where individuals occupy a vehicle in an enclosed space, such as a garage; and

Whereas, A significant number of deaths have also occurred outdoors while vehicles are occupied; and 

                     Whereas, For example, on January 24, 2016, in New Jersey, shortly following a massive winter blizzard, a mother and her two children died as they sat in the car to warm up while the father cleared a path for the vehicle in the snow; and

                     Whereas, This tragic event took place during the short span of twenty minutes and resulted from a tailpipe blocked by snow; and

                     Whereas, The following day a Brooklyn man, Angel Ginel, was found dead in his snowbound car-a similar, carbon monoxide poisoning-related death is suspected; and

                     Whereas, These tragedies are not isolated-during virtually every major snowstorm lives were claimed due to carbon monoxide poisoning under similar circumstances; and

                     Whereas, According to a 2007 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, on average, 147 people die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning involving automobiles; and                      

                     Whereas, Carbon monoxide may leak into the passenger cabin of a motor vehicle as a result of a tailpipe blocked by snow, mud or other debris, as well as a faulty or damaged exhaust system, or a hole in a rusty muffler, for example; and

                     Whereas, Because carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and initial poisoning symptoms are mild, mimicking car sickness, unsuspecting victims may not recognize the immediate danger; and

Whereas, Carbon monoxide detector technology is inexpensive and readily available; and

Whereas, Carbon monoxide detectors could alert motorists and their passengers of the presence of this dangerous gas before it is too late; and

                     Whereas, Auto manufacturers can and should include carbon monoxide detectors as part of the vehicle’s basic, integrated safety design, similar to seat belts, airbags and anti-lock brakes; now, therefore, be it

                     Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon Congress to pass and the President to sign legislation requiring automobile manufacturers to include carbon monoxide detectors in all cars sold in the United States.

LS 7398

1/29/2016

3:48pm

I.M.