US Regulators Look Into Seat Belt Interlock Safety - East Idaho News
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US Regulators Look Into Seat Belt Interlock Safety

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GETTY N 111512 SeatBelt?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1377789378208iStockphoto/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Federal regulators will conduct research on seat belt-ignition interlocks as automakers consider bringing back the safety system.

German automaker BMW asked permission from the U.S. government to install an interlocking system that would prevent drivers from starting the engine if they weren’t buckled up. The company would also skip certain crash-testing requirements if the system was used.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rejected the request Wednesday, but is revisiting the idea of interlocks. In the early 1970s, the system was mandatory in most cars.

BMW said it could design lighter, more fuel-efficient cars with interlocks. Knee bolsters would be necessary in vehicles, making them more spacious, and belted riders would stay in place.

The automaker explored three different options: one that would prevent the driver from starting the car without a seatbelt, another would stop them from shifting the car out of park, and the last would only allow the vehicle to be driven at low speeds without a seatbelt.

The NHTSA said using interlocks “potentially puts unbelted occupants at an increased risk of harm,” according to the Detroit News. However, they did say there could be benefits in using the system.

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