The
Kids and Cars coalition is banding together with activists at the Consumers Union to advocate for compulsory
kid-minded safety systems as standard-equipment for all automobiles. Such systems would include power windows that
auto-reverse when obstructions are detected and rear ‘vision’ systems like parking-assist sensors. According to the
advocates, such systems would only add $300 per vehicle.
“I hope we can come together in a bipartisan
manner to make these necessary changes,” said pediatrician Greg Gulbransen. “The technology’s out there.
They could do it.” Gulbransen ran over his own child four year ago. Senator Hillary Clinton (D-New York) points
that similar safety bills have passed for such devices as refrigerators and vehicle air bags.
But reps for
the industry argue that proposed systems cost more than $300 and are not as effective as advocates state, particularly
where children are concerned. “For consumers who want tech such as backup cameras, automakers are pleased to make
that available,” Eron Shosteck said for the Alliance of Automobile Manufactures. “But backup cameras can cost
as much as $2,000, and we believe that consumers should be able to make the choice of whether they want to pay for that
technology or not.”
[Source: Detroit Free Press]