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The Bill
The bill, as approved by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation
Committee on May 16, 2007, would address the following:
Power
Windows:
• Directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) to begin a rulemaking within 18 months of enactment
on the need to require power windows and panels to automatically
reverse direction if there is an obstruction in the path of
a motor vehicle window or panel;
• NHTSA will determine whether a final rule shall be issued
within 30 months of enactment. If NHTSA decides not to issue
a final rule to require automatic reversal of power windows
and panels in motor vehicles, NHTSA must
o report
to Congress the reasons for not issuing a final rule; and,
o publish information about which vehicles are or are not
equipped with automatic reversal of power windows and panels
in motor vehicles on the internet and other means (such as
the NCAP “Buying a Safer Car” brochure).
Rearward
Visibility:
• Requires NHTSA to begin rulemaking within 12 months of
enactment to amend FMVSS Standard No. 111, Rearward Visibility;
• NHTSA must issue a final rule within 36 months of enactment;
Preventing
Vehicle Roll-Away:
• Motor vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission
must have a brake transmission shift interlock on and after
September 1, 2010;
• Each year prior to September 1, 2010, NHTSA must publish
or make available on the internet the makes and models of motor
vehicles with automatic transmissions that do not have a brake
transmission shift interlock;
Nontraffic,
Noncrash Injury Database:
• NHTSA must establish a database for nontraffic, noncrash
motor vehicle injuries within 6 months of enactment;
Child
Safety Information Program:
• NHTSA must establish a consumer information program on
nontraffic, noncrash hazards to children within 6 months of
enactment.
Support
• Senators John E. Sununu (R-NH) and Hillary Rodham Clinton
(D-NY) are the prime Senate sponsors; the House of Representatives
companion bill is sponsored by Representative Jan Schakowsky
(D-IL) and Representative Peter King (R-NY)
• Groups supporting the bill include: KIDS AND CARS, Consumers
Union, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, the American Academy
of Pediatrics, Public Citizen, Kids in Danger, Trauma Foundation,
The Zoie Foundation, Adrianna’s Rule Foundation, Veronica’s
Eyes Foundation, Craig’s Crusade and more.
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