It’s long been established that seat belt use decreases car and truck accident deaths. Seat belts save lives. Armed with this knowledge, many safety advocates have sought ways to increase seat belt use.
One of the tools to accomplish this is the warning systems that remind drivers to buckle up when behind the wheel. A new rule seeks to expand these warnings to passengers, including passengers in the back seat.
Safety Group Rule Proposal
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants more from auto manufacturers when it comes to encouraging seat belt use. The rule proposed by the NHTSA requests that cars and trucks come with warning systems that provide the following:
- Visual and audio warnings for drivers to buckle their seat belts – this rule is currently in place.
- Visual and audio warning for passengers in the right front seat.
- Visual warning lasting 1 minute or more regarding the rear seat belt status, once the vehicle has been started.
- Audio warning when the rear seat belt is not buckled and the vehicle is running.
The NHTSA has been seeking an expansion of the current warning system for several years. Now that the rule has been proposed, there will be a 60-day time period for the public to comment on the proposal.
Seat Belt Safety Numbers
Accident statistics are often cited when trying to pass new regulations. When it comes to seat belt use, the numbers are pretty clear. According to NHTSA stats, roughly half of the passenger vehicle occupants who lost their lives in fatal crashes in 2021 were not wearing seat belts.
When contrasted with the overall seat belt usage rate, which was 91.6% in 2022, it’s clear that being unbuckled when a crash occurs is a serious problem.
The NHTSA also likes to remind people that airbags are not meant to replace seat belts. Air bags are designed to work together with seat belts to improve crash survivability.
Airbags are less effective than seat belts, and in some cases are actually harmful to drivers and passengers who are unbelted.
Safety vs. Irritation
There may be downsides to the proposed rule regarding seatbelt warning systems. Technology almost always has drawbacks. If you’ve ever driven a car that was busy beeping at you because the groceries you placed on the passenger seat weren’t wearing a seat belt, you understand.
Still, seat belt warnings increase seat belt use, and that saves lives. Properly designed systems can solve the irritating issues over time.
Call an Attorney Now for Car Accident Assistance
Car and truck accidents are tragic. If you’ve been injured in a crash, you need an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights. Call The Fell Law Firm today at 972-450-1418 to schedule a consultation at our Dallas offices. You can also visit us online.
