US to require passenger vehicles to sound alarms if rear passengers don't fasten their seat belts

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

US to require passenger vehicles to sound alarms if rear passengers don’t fasten their seat belts

Updated 6:05 PM EST, December 16, 2024

DETROIT (AP) — Starting in September of 2027, all new passenger vehicles in the U.S. will have to sound a warning if rear-seat passengers don’t buckle up.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday that it finalized the rule, which also requires enhanced warnings when front seat belts aren’t fastened.

The agency estimates that the new rule will save 50 lives per year and prevent 500 injuries when fully in effect, according to a statement.

The new rule will apply to passenger cars, trucks, buses except for school buses, and multipurpose vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds.

Before the rule, seat belt warnings were required only for the driver’s seat. ...

-snip-

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/nhtsa-rear-seat-belt-safety-1c0e6cc4e50f4edf9c0b8c24b1c0da07

[Rhiannon12866]

1. My car already sounds a warning if anyone in the front passenger seat isn't buckled in

I used to give an older lady a ride to a weekly meeting and she frequently failed to buckle up and the alarm would go off - and get louder.

[FakeNoose]

2. Nobody ever rides in my backseat. I hope there's a way to disable the backseat alarm

[IbogaProject]

3. Problem if you put bags there

But these are able to be turned off or worked around.

Here is an example, I am Not Endorsing this specific product, https://www.smartsaker.com/products/saker%C2%AE-metal-seat-belt-extender-for-high-eend-vehicles

[MichMan]

4. Does that mean my dog has to wear one?

[Lifeafter70]

6. Our car already has that alarm

When we take the dog to the vet, we have to buckle all three seats cause he won't sit in just one.

[MichMan]

7. I have a dog tether that clips into the seatbelt receptacle.

No human has sat in the back seats of any of my cars for around 20 years.

[Wonder Why]

5. If my groceries don't wear them, will they die? I'd hate to be responsible for the deaths of live plants either.

[Emile]

8. The cost will be passed on to the new car buyer.