All new vehicles sold in the United States starting in September 2027 will be required to emit warning alarms if rear-seat passengers fail to secure their seatbelts. This initiative aims to enhance the safety of all individuals in the vehicle during potential accidents or collisions. In India, several new car models already feature similar safety systems, although such measures are not yet legally required.

The significance of the mandatory audio warning for unbuckled occupants in vehicles on U.S. roads lies in its applicability to not only passenger cars but also trucks and buses, with the exception of school buses. This regulation was previously announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a federal agency dedicated to improving road safety.

In the United States, wearing seatbelts in the rear seats is compulsory in 33 states. Many of these states also mandate that children be secured with seatbelts, although the specific age requirements differ. While the enforcement of seatbelt regulations for drivers and front-seat passengers is stringent, reports indicate that compliance with backseat seatbelt laws is not as rigorously monitored. The NHTSA aims to address this issue by instituting mandatory audio warnings in new vehicles.

Furthermore, the NHTSA has indicated that the new regulations will require automakers to improve warning systems for front-seat occupants who have not fastened their seatbelts.

What are the regulations regarding seatbelt usage in India?

Seatbelts serve as the primary safety feature for passengers in a vehicle during an accident. In India, it is a legal requirement for both the front passenger and the driver to wear seatbelts while the vehicle is in motion, irrespective of the speed. Non-compliance can result in fines reaching up to ₹10,000.

However, the situation for rear-seat passengers has changed. Following the tragic car accident that resulted in the death of Tata Group chairman Cyrus Mistry in 2022, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari mandated the use of seatbelts for passengers seated in the back. This regulation applies to all types and categories of vehicles.

In recent years, numerous car models, including those aimed at the mass market, have been equipped with seatbelt alarms that activate when backseat passengers are detected without their seatbelts fastened.

Despite these advancements, many experts highlight that the enforcement of the backseat seatbelt regulation remains insufficient in India. They argue that increasing the penalty for violations is essential to ensure that all vehicle occupants are secured properly.

The significance of seatbelts cannot be overstated.

The three-point seatbelt was invented by Swedish engineer Nils Bohlin while working for Volvo. However, the company chose not to pursue patent rights, allowing this technology to be utilized in vehicles globally, irrespective of the manufacturer.

Extensive research conducted over the last few decades has consistently demonstrated that seatbelts are effective in preventing or mitigating injuries. The likelihood of fatality is reduced by approximately 50 per cent for front-seat occupants in the event of a collision, compared to those who are unrestrained. For passengers seated in the back, the risk of fatality decreases by 75 per cent.

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