Automakers may seek time to install alarm for rear seat belts

Passenger vehicle makers may ask for more time to install the seat belt reminder alarm feature for passengers in the rear seats as it will require "structural changes" to be made to the vehicle.

- SHALLY SETH MOHILE

The reason why the feature cannot be immediately implemented is that the three-point seat belts are required to be anchored to a structural support, explained an official at a car company. These are usually the pillars of the vehicle chassis. The middle seat at the rear will probably require an anchor on the structure, which in turn would necessitate structural changes and hence testing.

"The seat belt reminder will also require additional sensors and integration with the existing wiring harness system." The automakers are therefore likely to make a representation and seek more time just like the airbags, the official added.

Sunjay Kapur, president, Automotive Component Manufacturers Association said, "Safety is our top priority.

And I don't think you can put a price on human safety. Every OEM (original equipment manufacturers) and component manufacturer has a strong focus on safety." Rear seatbelts already exist in almost all vehicles and making it a law to buckle up is the right thing to do, he said.

"Road accidents in India kill one person every four minutes and that's not a good statistic.