Chevy's new 'Buckle to Drive' system locks out shifter until you buckle up
#1
Chevy's new 'Buckle to Drive' system locks out shifter until you buckle up
It's part of Chevy's Teen Driver System, which allows parents to montior driving habits, set speed limits and keep safety features on, and is only active when the system is active. And what it does is pretty simple: If the car starts without the seatbelt buckled, the shifter is locked out for up to 20 seconds or until the driver buckles the seatbelt, whichever comes first. The lock-out only lasts for a maximum of 20 seconds, though, whether the seatbelt was fastened or not. When asked why the 20-second time frame, a representative from Chevy said that "over 70% of drivers try to shift out of park within 20 seconds of turning the vehicle ON, so we feel that the 20 second timing will capture the most natural habits and encourage teens to buckle up before they head out on the road."
#4
Lexus Fanatic
#5
Lexus Fanatic
It was across the industry (not just GM), and, as I remember, came into effect on U.S.-spec vehicles for the 1974 model year. The column-mounted ignition switch was wired not to function unless both front-seat occupants were belted up....if passengers were actually in the right front seat. The problem was that the electronics/sensors in those days were primitive compared to today, and couldn't tell the difference between someone (or a child car-seat) actually in the right front seat, or in middle of the seat (on bench-seats) and a simple package or bag of groceries sitting on the seat. So, more often than not, drivers would get in the car, without a real person in the right front seat (only a package), and the car wouldn't start until they either put the package in the back, or buckled the belt around the package LOL. The public outcry from this was so big, so quick, that Congress, who had passed the law in the first place, quickly UN-passed it within six months.
#6
Lexus Test Driver
this is fascism
being able to kill yourself from stupidity is part of what makes this country awesome
being able to kill yourself from stupidity is part of what makes this country awesome
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#8
Lexus Fanatic
#10
Lexus Test Driver
#11
Lexus Test Driver
#12
Lexus Fanatic
#13
Lexus Test Driver
and I just saw an opportunity for jackie chiles attorney at law
#14
Lexus Test Driver
If someone isn't wise enough to wear a seatbelt, they should render the consequences. Now we have a new device lock that will cost more money, add weight, add complexity, etc. I do not feel this is a good trade-off.
#15
Lexus Fanatic
Then they shouldn't be driving. A Drivers' License is a legal privilege, not a right, and when you sign for one, you agree to follow all applicable laws, including those mandating seat-belt use. Equally important, of course, is to wear the belt correctly...if it is not placed across the hips, it can do as much damage to the body as it prevents.