Remember the days when seat belts were more of a suggestion than a requirement? For some of us, childhood memories include bouncing around the backseat of a station wagon with nary a seat belt in sight. Fast forward to today: We now know that buckling up is a lifesaver. In 2022 alone, nearly half of passenger vehicle fatalities involved occupants who weren’t wearing seat belts.
This week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a new rule designed to make seat belt use even more widespread—especially for backseat passengers. Starting in September 2027, all new vehicles will be required to include a visual alert if someone in the rear seat isn’t buckled up. Once the car starts moving, an audio alert will also chime in—a feature already common for front-seat passengers.
“While seat belt use has improved for decades, there’s still more we can do to make sure everyone buckles up,” said Adam Raviv, NHTSA’s chief counsel, in a statement.
This small but mighty change aims to make roads safer for everyone. After all, whether you’re riding shotgun or chilling in the backseat, safety should always come first.
So, here’s your friendly reminder: buckle up—it’s a simple action that can make a world of difference. 🚗💺
Stay safe and secure
