STATEHOUSE (June 5, 2018) — Indiana fire departments will soon be able to offer free vehicle emissions tests to Hoosier drivers thanks to a new law sponsored by State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland).
On Monday, Gov. Eric Holcomb ceremonially signed Savannah’s Law, which stems from the 2015 death of a Ben Davis High School student. Savannah Bettis was killed in a car crash resulting from the vehicle’s malfunctioning exhaust system circulating carbon monoxide into the cabin. An odorless gas, carbon monoxide was able to reach dangerous concentration levels within the vehicle, incapacitating Bettis and her boyfriend, who was driving at the time. Bettis’ boyfriend survived the crash.
“The scary part of dealing with carbon monoxide is you are almost always unaware if you are breathing in dangerous levels,” Burton said. “Savannah and her boyfriend inhaled so much of the deadly gas they both passed out just before the deadly accident. I encourage every driver to take their car to their local fire department to be professionally checked. The test takes about 10 minutes and can be lifesaving.”
Burton said depending on the concentration and duration of exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning can result in headaches, dizziness, nausea and other severe symptoms. Drivers or passengers who experience these symptoms should stop driving the vehicle and get it checked. If a fire department detects high concentration levels of carbon monoxide, they will recommend motorists stop driving the vehicle immediately.
Senate Enrolled Act 100 will go into effect July 1. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more.
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State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) represents a portion of Johnson County.
PICTURED: Gov. Eric Holcomb ceremonially signs Savannah’s Law at the Statehouse in Indianapolis on Monday, June 4, 2018. Savannah’s Law, which stems from the 2015 death of Ben Davis High School student Savannah Bettis allows Indiana fire departments to offer free vehicle emissions tests to Hoosier drivers. Family and friends of Bettis joined the governor and lawmakers for the bill signing. Pictured left to right (seated): State Sen. Mike Delph (R-Carmel), Holcomb and State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland).
