Urgent Call for Auto Safety Reforms: Addressing Seatback Failures
The persisting threat of auto seatback failures poses an ongoing risk on our roads, resulting in preventable injuries and fatalities. Outdated safety standards governing car seatbacks, unchanged since 1967, leave consumers vulnerable to catastrophic consequences. Despite numerous tragic incidents, the automotive industry continues to operate under regulations that fail to prioritize consumer safety.
These dangers are exemplified in a recent case where we represented a man who was rear-ended while stopped at a traffic light. The seatback of the man’s 2019 pickup truck collapsed on impact, propelling his head into the rear compartment and causing a spinal cord injury that left the father of three a paraplegic. This catastrophic injury highlights the failure of existing seatback standards to protect vehicle occupants in rear-end collisions. The case settled for $5,075,000, representing the limits of all available insurance, while a related lawsuit against the seatback manufacturer remains pending.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to explore updates to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 207, which governs seatback strength requirements, and potentially FMVSS No. 202a, which regulates head restraints. This action fulfills a requirement of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and aims to enhance occupant safety in rear-end collisions.
Preventing injuries in these crashes mainly depends on how the seatback absorbs impact and supports passengers.
However, current standards allow car manufacturers to design seats that can fail under real-world crash conditions, as illustrated by independent testing that found even lawn chairs and cardboard meet current strength requirements.
Tragic incidents like the one described above emphasize the profound and life-altering impact of seatback failures. In many instances, straightforward improvements in seatback design could prevent such devastating injuries. These examples reinforce the urgent need for the auto industry to prioritize safer designs and for regulators to implement and enforce stricter safety standards.
NHTSA’s ANPRM seeks public comment on seatback strength requirements, performance test parameters, and other seat characteristics to improve rear impact protection. Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman stated, “This action today is a significant step toward improving and better understanding occupant safety, especially in rear-end vehicle crashes. NHTSA welcomes and encourages all public comments, which will help inform a potential rulemaking to update seatback safety standards.”
Blankingship & Keith, P.C.’s Personal Injury group remains committed to advocating for victims of defective vehicle designs and holding manufacturers accountable. If you or someone you know has been injured due to a defective seatback or other automotive safety issue, contact us today at 703.691.1235