WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement after Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood postponed for another two years a rule that would help reduce deaths caused by rearview mirror blind spots. The rule was mandated in bipartisan legislation passed in 2008 and was required to be finalized by February 2011. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that more than 200 children die each year because a driver can’t see behind their car. Rockefeller will press Mayor Anthony Foxx, once confirmed as Transportation Secretary, to finalize the rule before the new 2015 deadline. 

“I am deeply disappointed by the Administration’s foot dragging over a rule that could help save the lives of hundreds of young children and prevent thousands of heartbreaking injuries,” said Rockefeller. “The fact is simple – installing rear cameras in cars will prevent injury and death. The Administration needs to move forward with this common sense safety measure because children’s lives are in jeopardy.”

Background:

Chairman Rockefeller has a long history of promoting auto safety.  He was a cosponsor of the law that established the mandate for this safety rule in 2008, and he championed the safety provisions in the surface transportation reauthorization legislation (MAP-21), which became law in 2012.

The Chairman has also strengthened grant programs to states that help reduce impaired driving; established new grant opportunities to encourage graduated driver licensing for teens and limit distracted driving; worked to mandate lifesaving new child safety standards for rear seat belts and child seats; authorized research for advanced technologies to prevent drunk driving; and strengthened the authorities of NHTSA to conduct research and enforce safety standards.  

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