From 2013 article:
The U.S. government tried to mandate ignition interlocks — which prevent a vehicle from starting unless seat belts are fastened — in cars in the early 1970s to prod more people to use seat belts. The rules prompted such a public outcry that Congress made it illegal for regulators to require the interlocks.
But a transportation bill that Congress passed in 2012 lifted some of the restrictions.
Now car companies are asking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to let them use interlocks in lieu of crash tests for people who do not wear seat belts.
NHTSA says it sees the promise of these interlocks, but is not yet ready to give automakers the green light.
In a regulatory notice today that denied a petition from BMW to offer interlocks, the agency said it will study interlocks through 2015 to figure out whether they will save lives by making people buckle up.
Sounds grim. Think I’ll put off buying new wheels until right before this stuff becomes mandatory.
“Sounds grim. Think Ill put off buying new wheels until right before this stuff becomes mandatory.”
Well, if they try it, we will really get to see if the “motoring public” has become as stupid as the voters have since 1974, won’t we! Oh wait, they’re the same bunch.