Ford Improved Seat Belt Reminder Warnings On Three Models
Ford Improved Seat Belt Reminder Warnings On Three Models
Posted on October 30, 2024
The importance of seat belt safety cannot be overstated, and recent developments from Ford underscore this commitment. Many drivers are all too familiar with the persistent warning dings when they forget to fasten their seat belts. While these reminders can be annoying, they serve a critical purpose: ensuring passenger safety. After several models from Ford's lineup fell short in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) seat belt warning test, the automaker took swift action to enhance its warning systems across three key models—the Ford Maverick, Ford Expedition, and Ford Escape.
The IIHS report revealed that the 2022 Ford Maverick and Escape received "poor" ratings for their seat belt warning systems. Specifically, they failed to meet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidelines, which require a sufficiently audible signal and a visual alert when an unbuckled occupant is detected while the vehicle is moving at speeds of at least six miles per hour. The Escape's warning duration lasted less than eight seconds, while the Maverick's alert not only failed to activate quickly but also wasn't loud enough to be effective, contributing to its poor evaluation.
In response to this feedback, Ford implemented significant improvements to the seat belt warning systems in the 2023-2024 models of the Escape, Expedition, and Maverick. These updates not only enhance the audibility and duration of the warnings but also align the vehicles with safety standards. According to IIHS President David Harkey, automakers can make impactful safety improvements with minor software changes, which can drastically improve a vehicle's performance in safety tests.
The proactive measures taken by Ford represent a significant step toward enhancing road safety. As Harkey noted, ensuring that all passengers buckle up is a simple yet effective way to save lives. With these upgrades, Ford aims to provide drivers and passengers with the reminders they need to stay safe while on the road, reinforcing the company's commitment to passenger protection and safety innovation.