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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued a press release about their proposal to expand the current seat belt warning system in an effort to encourage drivers and passengers to buckle up. The proposed rule would require enhanced seat belt warnings for rear and front driver and passenger side seats. The new rule would apply to passenger cars, trucks, most buses and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less.   

Enhancing the Current Seat Belt Warning System  

Buckling up is still the most effective way to protect yourself in the event of a crash, yet about half of people who were killed on U.S. roadways in 2021 were not buckled up at the time of the crash. Officials with the NHTSA are hoping that an enhancement to the current seat belt warning system would help to improve seat belt usage for motorists in the U.S.  

Visual and Audible Alerts for Seat Belt Usage  

Currently, seat belt warning systems use both visual and audible alerts to encourage people to buckle up in the driver’s seat. Under the proposed rule, which would amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 “Occupant Crash Protection,” the warning would require alerts for more than just the driver’s seat. At this time, if somebody isn’t buckled up in the passenger seat or rear seats, there is no alert. Under the proposed rule, there would be a warning for the front passenger seat and rear seats.  

Improving Seat Belt Usage in Rear Seats and Front Passenger Seat  

The new rule would require a visual warning on vehicle startup for at least 60 seconds to notify the driver of the status of the rear seat belts and an audio visual change-of-status warning lasting at least 30 seconds if a rear seatbelt is unbuckled while the vehicle is in operation. There would also be requirements for seat belt alerts for the front passenger seat.  

If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a dangerous or distracted driver in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact the skilled and proven team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.