Safety First: US Introduces New Seat Belt Rules for Rear Seats

A world where your car reminds you to buckle up, no matter where you sit. Well, starting in 2027, that's exactly what the United States plans to do. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a new rule: all new passenger vehicles must sound an alarm if rear-seat passengers don't fasten their seat belts. This rule, which also applies to front-seat warnings, aims to save lives and prevent injuries. You might be wondering, why the focus on rear-seat belts? Well, as it turns out, rear passengers are less likely to buckle up compared to those in the front. In 2022, front seat belt use was around 92%, while rear seat use was slightly lower at about 82%. And here's a sobering fact: about half of those who died in car crashes two years ago weren't wearing seat belts. But why stop at seat belts? The rule also extends the duration of warnings for the driver's seat. And it covers a wide range of vehicles, from passenger cars to multipurpose vehicles weighing up to 10, 000 pounds. However, school buses are exempt from this rule. This isn't the first time the agency has made big changes. Just two months ago, they updated their five-star auto safety ratings to include driver assistance technologies and pedestrian protection. But safety advocates want more. They're pushing for rules that require automatic emergency braking for heavy trucks and technology to prevent impaired driving. Only time will tell if these new rules will be approved before the end of the current administration.