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NHTSA Considers Return to Seatbelt Interlocks
Automakers are pushing the federal government to again allow seatbelt interlock devices that would force drivers to buckle up before driving.
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Automakers are pushing the federal government to again allow seatbelt interlock devices that would force drivers to buckle up before driving.
Last week the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration denied a petition from BMW AG to permit the use of interlocks. But the agency promised to study the idea through 2015 to decide whether to return to the system last mandated in the 1970s.
Car companies want NHTSA to let them use interlocks in lieu of building heavy and costly cabin structures such as knee bolsters to protect unbelted occupants. The change also would eliminate the need for crash tests with unbelted dummies.
BMW hopes the agency will permit a less stringent form of an interlock that would prevent a car from being put in drive or going above a certain speed with unbelted occupants. The company contends that interlocks would lead to lighter and more fuel-efficient vehicles.
The company hopes federal vehicle safety standards will be modified to allow the new interlocks by 2017-2018.
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