Rep. Schakowsky Statement on Delay of Rule to Expand Vehicle Rear Visibility Standard

WASHINGTON, DC — (February 29, 2012) Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) released the following statement today in response to the Department of Transportation's announcement that the final rule to expand the rear visibility standard in vehicles will be delayed. The rulemaking was required by the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act, which was sponsored by Rep. Schakowsky and became law in February 2008.

"Drivers' inability to see what is directly behind them when they back up is responsible for devastating accidents that injure and kill, and the victims are often young children. In 2003, I introduced the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act in honor of 2-year-old Cameron, who was tragically killed after being accidentally backed over by his father, a pediatrician. The bill became law in 2008, and it required the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to finally take action to address the lack of rear visibility in vehicles. The technology to prevent these tragedies has existed for years, and NHTSA released a proposed rule would mandate cameras that would ensure that drivers can see directly behind the vehicle when backing up. I am extremely disappointed that the final rule has been delayed, as more children will be killed in accidents that are entirely preventable. However, I know Transportation Secretary LaHood and NHTSA Administrator Strickland are committed to issuing a strong mandate, and I look forward to a robust final rule by the new deadline of December 31, 2012....

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Contact: Adjoa Adofo, (202) 225-2111
adjoa.adofo@mail.house.gov