(VitalNews.org) – In what seem like more government controls under the banner of safety, the Department of Transportation’s new mandate requires rear-seat belt reminder systems in all new vehicles by 2027.
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This adds another layer of regulation for manufacturers entrusting compliance on the American people.
The rule, finalized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), stipulates that from September 2027, all new passenger vehicles in the United States must feature rear seat belt warning systems.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to increase seat belt usage, which currently stands at 92% for front seats, but a mere 82% for rear seats, according to 2022 data.
The NHTSA anticipates the mandate will save 50 lives and prevent 500 injuries each year.
The rule is expansive, covering passenger cars, trucks, buses (excluding school buses), and multipurpose vehicles up to 10,000 pounds.
Previously, seat belt warnings were only mandatory for the driver’s seat.
This new regulation extends requirements to outboard front-seat passengers.
Despite the extensive coverage of the rule, front-center seats remain exempt owing to cost-effectiveness concerns.
The rule not only ensures that rear-seat passengers buckle up but also mandates extension of audio and visual seat belt warnings for drivers, set to commence on September 1, 2026.
“Wearing a seat belt is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent injury and death in a vehicle crash,” NHTSA Chief Counsel Adam Raviv said.
“While seat belt use has improved for decades, there’s still more we can do to make sure everyone buckles up. These new requirements will help to increase seat belt use, especially for rear seat passengers, by enhancing reminders for vehicle occupants to buckle up,” he elaborated.
Half of automobile passenger fatalities two years ago were individuals not wearing seat belts.
NHTSA Mandates Rear Seat Belt Reminders And Enhanced Warnings For Front Seatshttps://t.co/Ke7ywCPPJs
— Jalopnik (@Jalopnik) December 17, 2024
It may sound like a necessary move, especially advocated by safety organizations pushing for a safer America.
Despite the expected benefits, the rule introduces more government overreach into automotive design, sparking debate between personal responsibility and regulatory mandates.
According to safety advocates, there’s a mounting call for further regulations before the current administration concludes.
This recent ruling marks the second major regulation from the NHTSA in recent months, closely following revisions to the auto safety rating system.
With automakers continually navigating regulatory intricacies, the broader impact on several industries and American freedom remains a critical discussion.
“Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, urged the department to approve automatic emergency braking for heavy trucks and technology to prevent impaired driving,” reports ABC 12.
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