BOSTON — The Boston duck boats launch a new season Tuesday, and with that comes a new set of rules to keep people on the boats and sidewalks safe.
It’s a sure sign that spring is upon us – duck boats being rolled out for the first time this season.
The duck boats will hit the streets of Boston starting at 9 a.m. with tours starting from the Museum of Science and the Prudential Center.
When the boats hit the roads, regulars of the tour will notice changes.
In December, Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill which requires duck boats and similar vehicles to have safety measures in place to operate.
Those requirements include blind spot cameras and sensors. The boats are also required to have a second person on board to narrate the tours.
The law comes after a duck boat hit and killed Allison Warmuth, 28, in Beacon Hill, on April 30. Warmuth was riding her moped when she was hit and pinned under a duck boat.
After her death, Warmuth’s parents worked with state lawmakers to help get a law passed to try and prevent another tragedy.
They said last year that their daughter’s death was preventable and “distracted driving was a key factor in the crash.”
To celebrate the new season, Boston residents can receive free rides this week.