Novelty lighters which are lighters that look like toys may soon be illegal in the Bay State. The Boston Globe reports that a novelty lighters ban was passed and signed into law by Governor Deval Patrick. Massachusetts will be the 14th state to ban novelty lighters. The law is expected to take effect in November. The law is intended to protect against accidental fires started by children. There will be an exemption for collectible lighters made before 1980.
Governor Deval Patrick told reporters: "Massachusetts now joins 13 other states in an effort to strengthen public safety, particularly the well-being of our children. This law will save lives by eliminating the kinds of lighters that have been involved in accidental fires and tragic deaths around the country."
Children seem to be attracted to novelty lighters because they are shaped in a variety of things such as toy cars, rubber duckies, and doll accessories. While a Boston personal injury lawyer can go into detail about the potential dangers that these novelty lighters pose, it seems that Massachusetts legislators don't want to take any risks. State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan told the Boston Globe: "When adults cannot tell the difference between these lighters and toys, how can we expect a young child to do so? Toylike or novelty lighters have been responsible for injuries, deaths, and accidents across the nation. Children are attracted to novelty lighters because they look like toys."
Firefighters have noticed that some accidental fires have been caused by these lighters and brought the issue to the attention of state Representative Geraldo Alicea. Representative Alicea sponsored the legislation banning the lighters. He said that he sponsored the ban because of the firefighters: "I had met with a number of local firemen who had brought this issue to my attention and recommended that I file something that would prohibit these dangerous and redundant lighters in the state. I am extremely grateful for their support and hard work on behalf of this bill."
Fires started by children using matches or lighters caused 158 fires in Massachusetts last year. The fires caused 8 firefighter and 2 civilian injuries. The damages cost close to $1 million dollars. If you have questions about injuries sustained in an accidental fire, it may be wise to speak with a Boston personal injury attorney.
Related Resources:
ShareThis
