How Automakers Shortly Improved Seat Belt Reminders in Response to IIHS Scores : Automotive Addicts

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Automotive


The automotive business is making swift enhancements in seat belt reminder programs, responding on to new scores from the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS). Because the IIHS started evaluating these reminders in 2022, automakers have taken fast motion, enhancing security options throughout a variety of fashions.

Speedy Turnaround in Seat Belt Reminder Efficiency

In 2022, solely 17% of autos examined by IIHS earned score for his or her seat belt reminders. A staggering 65% had been rated marginal or poor, that means their reminders had been both too quick, too quiet, or not persistent sufficient to encourage seat belt use.

Quick ahead to 2024, and the numbers have flipped. Sixty-two p.c of fashions examined this 12 months have earned score, with solely 24% falling into the marginal or poor classes. In line with IIHS President David Harkey, this turnaround is because of easy software program adjustments that considerably increase automobile security.

Fashions Main the Cost

A number of automakers have up to date their autos’ reminder programs to fulfill or exceed IIHS requirements. Eighteen fashions, which beforehand fell quick, now boast good scores, together with:

  • Acura MDX
  • Ford Escape, Expedition, and Maverick
  • Honda CR-V, HR-V, Odyssey, and Pilot
  • Hyundai Tucson
  • Mazda CX-5
  • Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  • Nissan Altima
  • Subaru Crosstrek
  • Toyota Corolla (each hatchback and sedan), RAV4, Tacoma
  • Volvo XC40

These enhancements present that automakers are dedicated to enhancing security by means of higher reminder programs.

Why Seat Belt Reminders Matter

Failure to put on seat belts stays a number one reason behind dying in automobile crashes. Whereas 92% of front-seat occupants and 82% of rear-seat passengers wore seat belts in 2022, lots of these killed in crashes had been unbelted. In reality, half of all front-seat occupants and 25% of rear-seat occupants killed in crashes weren’t sporting seat belts.

Higher seat belt reminders might scale back these fatalities. An IIHS examine discovered that persistent audible reminders lasting 90 seconds elevated seat belt use by about 30%, doubtlessly saving 1,600 lives every year.

The Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) proposed stricter federal requirements in 2023, however these guidelines haven’t moved ahead. Present federal rules require solely a minimal audible reminder of 4-8 seconds when the motive force’s seat belt is unbuckled, far under the IIHS normal.

To obtain score from IIHS, a automobile should have an audible reminder lasting a minimum of 90 seconds if any occupied entrance seat stays unbuckled. Moreover, there should be a persistent audible alert if a rear seat occupant unbuckles, lasting a minimum of 30 seconds. Some producers are going past these requirements, equipping autos with reminders that don’t cease till each occupant is buckled in.

A Easy Repair with a Large Influence

The enhancements made by automakers are extra than simply software program tweaks. They characterize a elementary shift in how producers are approaching automobile security, with a give attention to stopping fatalities earlier than they occur. As David Kidd, the IIHS senior analysis scientist, explains, easy adjustments to the seat belt reminder system might save 1000’s of lives.

The progress made in simply two years is promising, however there’s extra work to be achieved. Seat belt reminders, particularly in rear seats, must turn out to be the norm throughout all autos. Automakers have proven that change can occur shortly when security is a precedence.

With practically 1,600 lives at stake, might persistent seat belt reminders turn out to be the usual in all autos? If the speedy progress continues, it’s a query the business will quickly must reply.

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