The U.S. Transportation Department will require rear seat belt reminder systems in all new cars and trucks starting in late 2027, aiming to reduce traffic crash deaths and injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates this rule could prevent over 500 injuries and save around 50 lives yearly.
Currently, only the driver’s seat requires a seat belt warning system, but the new regulations will extend these requirements to both front seats. The systems will provide visual and audible alerts to encourage seat belt use, with a minimum duration of at least 60 seconds for rear seat belts.
NHTSA says that seat belts reduce the risk of fatality for rear seat occupants by 55% in cars and 74% in sport utility vehicles. Half of all vehicle occupants killed in crashes are not wearing seat belts.
The European Union has already required rear seat reminder systems since 2019, and this move is seen as a response to rising traffic deaths following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/us-require-rear-seat-belt-reminders-vehicles-2027-2024-12-16