Alliance for Automotive Innovation Supports Secretary Chao on Public Safety Campaign to Protect Kids
WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 1, 2020 – The Alliance for Automotive Innovation (Auto Innovators) today sent a letter (attached) to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao commending ongoing efforts to increase public awareness of the heatstroke risks children face when left unattended in motor vehicles.
The automobile manufacturers members of Auto Innovators have publicly committed to installing rear seat reminder systems in all passenger vehicles and light trucks with such seats by model year 2025. This commitment will provide new car buyers access to these safety features faster than would have been possible under a statutory-mandated rulemaking process. These new features are part of a comprehensive effort to prevent heatstroke injuries and fatalities that also includes the critical components of consumer education and public awareness . The letter reinforces Auto Innovators’ commitment to working with the Department of Transportation and other stakeholders to improve child safety and combat the dangers of vehicle heatstroke.
“The voluntary commitment by automakers for rear seat reminders demonstrates how our members seek opportunities to innovate and accelerate the safe deployment of advances in personal transportation. This commitment is an illustration of proactive auto industry initiatives, which, when combined with public efforts to promote greater consumer understanding and awareness, will significantly improve safety. Auto Innovators and our members look forward to continuing to work with the United States Department of Transportation to improve child safety and to help combat the dangers of vehicle heatstroke.”
Press Contact:
Wade Newton, Vice President of Communications
wnewton@autosinnovate.org
(202) 326-5571