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November 2, 2005
Child Safety Technology Bill Introduced in Senate
New York Senator Hillary Clinton [D] has introduced a vehicle safety bill that would require a rear visibility performance standard that would provide drivers with a means to detect persons or objects behind the vehicle to prevent backing-up accidents. The bill would also require autoreverse power window technology to further prevent avoidable injuries.
Approximately three children are killed every week by vehicles involved in "non-traffic" incidents, often in driveways and on private property. At least two children per week die as a result of being struck when a vehicle is backing up -- most of the time by a parent or other relative, according to the safety organization, KIDS AND CARS.
The rearward performance standard could include rear sensors, backup cameras or increased glass surface to improve visibility, according to Janette Fennell, founder and president of KIDS AND CARS.
The bill, similar to this House legislation introduced in May, would also require the Department of Transportation to collect and disseminate information related to these kind of vehicle accidents. Currently no government agency is collecting information related to deaths and injuries that occur as non-traffic incidents on private property.
Known as the "Cameron Gulbransen Kids and Cars Safety Act of 2005," the bill includes a proviso that automatically lower power windows when they touch an object, which is touted as a means to prevent accidental strangulation, and a feature that would not allow a vehicle to get into gear without applying pressure to the foot brake.
Posted by Frank at November 2, 2005 6:16 AM | Filed under Auto News
| Safety