Senator Richard Blumenthal said he plans to hold a hearing to call federal bureaucrats accountable for delays in issuing regulations compelling automakers to help drivers see behind their vehicles. Senator Blumenthal feels that the, “DOT has unconscionably delayed a rear visibility standard that can save thousands of children every year from car backover accidents causing injury and death. This delay is outrageous and unacceptable.”
He said backup cameras should be a basic safety feature like airbags and seat belts, not a luxury like a sunroof or stereo. Blumenthal was quoted saying, “The bottom line is, they are a lifesaving feature.” Meanwhile, auto-safety advocates filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the transportation agency, asking the court to force regulators to issue a rule mandating backup cameras as standard equipment in new cars.
Transportation Department spokesman Nathan Naylor declined comment and Allison Price, a justice spokeswoman, said the government would decline comment. The suit was filed in the 2nd Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals in New York state by a group including Consumers Union, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, and Kids and Cars Inc., which are being represented in the action by Public Citizen.
Also among the plaintiffs are Susan Auriemma, of Manhasset, N.Y., who backed over her 3-year-old daughter Kate injuring her, in 2005; and Dr. Greg Gulbransen of Syosset, N.Y., who backed over his 2-year-old son Cameron in his driveway in 2002, killing him.
