The tenure of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has been one of increasing driver and passenger safety. The LaHood led Department of Transportation has engaged in a much publicized effort to curb distracted driving, even banning federal employees from text messaging and emailing while driving government-owned vehicles. Now, the Department of Transportation is taking on car accidents that kill drivers and passengers who are ejected from the vehicle during the accident.
The new standard announced by the Department of Transportation calls on automotive manufacturers to develop technologies that will prevent the equivalent of an unbelted adult from moving more than four inches past a window opening during an accident. The new standard will begin implementation in 2013 and requires all new vehicles to be equipped with this technology by 2018.
Reiterating a focus on safety, Secretary LaHood stated, "This new standard will help save lives and reduce injuries by requiring vehicles to have a safety system that keeps occupants in the vehicle in a rollover crash."
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that the requirement will prevent hundreds of deaths and injuries. Speaking about the new rule, David Strickland of the NHTSA stated, "Rollover crashes are the deadliest of all crash types and this is another important step in our efforts to reduce fatalities and serious injuries that result from them."
Car accidents can be devastating emotionally and physically. When you are involved in an accident it is important to contact an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney. A lawyer can help you seek compensation for injuries, medical bills and repairs to your vehicle.
