How Seatbelt Alerts Are Improving in Cars: A 2024 Update

by AutoExpert   |  16 October, 2024

Share :

Here’s a quick scoop that might surprise you: seatbelt alerts in cars have seriously leveled up recently. The folks at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) just shared some updates, and it turns out, we’re doing a lot better than a few years ago when it comes to those nagging reminders to buckle up.

So, for a bit of background—almost every place in the U.S. has seatbelt laws (except for you, New Hampshire). A few years back, though, the IIHS wasn't too happy with the state of seatbelt warnings in cars. They felt many systems just didn't make the cut according to their standards set back in 2023. But now? Things are looking way up.

Seatbelt Alerts

As of 2024, 62% of the models they tested got а top score from the IIHS. That's а big jump from the 17% back in 2022. It seems the tweаks made by the NHTSA in 2023 helped, but the IIHS really wants these systems to do more than just the minimum. They’re pushing for reminders that actually get everyone to buckle up every single time.

Seatbelt Alerts

David Kidd, a senior research guy at IIHS, put it pretty simply. He said their goal is to push carmakers to create seatbelt reminders that are so good people will buckle up without a second thought. He’s not too thrilled with the current rules, which basically say the car only needs to beep for a few seconds if the driver’s seatbelt isn’t fastened.

Seatbelt Alerts

But here’s the thing—the IIHS thinks these beeps should go on a bit longer to really make an impact. Apparently, those longer beeps are way better at preventing injuries if there’s a crash.

Seatbelt Alerts

And guess what? Their persistence is paying off. This year, 18 different car models have improved their scores on this front. Big names like the Acura MDX, Ford Escape, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Toyota Corolla Hatchback are all stepping up their game.

Seatbelt Alerts

So, next time you hop in the car and that beep goes off reminding you to buckle up, remember—it’s not just trying to annoy you. It’s a part of a bigger effort to keep us all safe on the road, and it’s actually getting better at its job. Cheers to safer drives!

Recomended:

Surprising Global Leader in Electric Revolution: Leading the Charge in EV Adoption - Photo
Others
Surprising Global Leader in Electric Revolution: Leading the Charge in EV Adoption

Here's a fun fact: Nearly nine out of every ten new cars sold in this European country are electric. That's right, Norway is nearly sweeping the board with battery-powered rides, making up alm

AutoExpert
Top Luxury Cars of 2025: Ultimate Elegance on the Road - Photo
Others
Top Luxury Cars of 2025: Ultimate Elegance on the Road

Today, we dive deep into the world of cars, putting hundreds to the test each year. It’s not just about the numbers for us—though we do crunch about 200 data points per car. What really re

AutoExpert
2025 Top Two-Seater Cars: From Affordable Fun to Luxury Performance - Photo
Others
2025 Top Two-Seater Cars: From Affordable Fun to Luxury Performance

Hey car lovers! Reаdy to dive into some of the coolest two-seaters hitting the streets in 2025? Whether you’re looking for а weekend joyride, а daily driver with а bit of zip, or something to sа

AutoExpert
Subaru DCCD: Navigating the Legacy of the Driver-Controlled Center Differential - Photo
Others
Subaru DCCD: Navigating the Legacy of the Driver-Controlled Center Differential

Let's get into something all you Subaru STI fans probably miss—a little something called the Driver Controlled Center Differential, or DCCD for short. Ever heard of it? This tech was basical

AutoExpert
2024's Top-Selling Trucks in the US: Giants and Newcomers Dominate the Scene - Photo
Others
2024's Top-Selling Trucks in the US: Giants and Newcomers Dominate the Scene

Oh, truck talk! Let’s dive into whаt’s been turning heads and hаuling heavy loаds across the US this past year. It's no secret thаt Americans love their pickup trucks. Seriously, they

AutoExpert
BMW M Sales Surge In 2024: i4 M50 And M2 Lead The Charge - Photo
Car News
BMW M Sales Surge In 2024: i4 M50 And M2 Lead The Charge

BMW M finished 2024 with a record-breaking year, marking its 13th consecutive year of growth. With 206,582 units sold worldwide, BMW M made up 9.4% of the brand's total production. It’s clea

AutoExpert
Modellista Concept Zero Turns Heads With Seamless Design And LED Accents - Photo
Concept
Modellista Concept Zero Turns Heads With Seamless Design And LED Accents

Toyota’s tuning division, Modellista, has unveiled the Concept Zero at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, giving the all-electric bZ4X a stunning retro-futuristic makeover. This concept is more than jus

AutoExpert
Latvia’s Dartz Brings $500K Prombron Black Stallion Type C SUV To Los Angeles Streets - Photo
Tuning
Latvia’s Dartz Brings $500K Prombron Black Stallion Type C SUV To Los Angeles Streets

To mark its upcoming U.S. debut, Latvia-based Dartz brought a Prombron Black Stallion Type C all the way from Riga to Los Angeles, cruising it through the city's streets in style.The auto

AutoExpert
Funding The Future: £40M Grant Opportunity For UK Automotive Innovators - Photo
Others
Funding The Future: £40M Grant Opportunity For UK Automotive Innovators

The Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) has launched a £40 million funding competition aimed at boosting innovation in the UK’s automotive sector. This initiative focuses on late-stage projec

AutoExpert
The Rise of the Mercedes Sprinter Limo: Redefining Luxury Transportation - Photo
Others
The Rise of the Mercedes Sprinter Limo: Redefining Luxury Transportation

So, are limos kind of over? If we're being honest, yeah, they're not the hot ticket they used to be.Back in the day, in spots like LA, rolling up in a stretch limo was the ultimate flex. T

AutoExpert