Toronto, Ontario — Subaru Canada is keeping drivers strapped in the only way they ethically can—through effective seat belt reminders that the IIHS just commended in its first-ever test of such technology.
Of the 26 models that participated in the test, the 2022 Subaru Ascent and 2022 Subaru Forester were the only two to earn good ratings for the performance of their seat belt reminders.
“By now everybody knows that seat belts save lives when they are used,” said IIHS president David Harkey.
“Our research shows that effective seat belt reminders can also save lives by getting those who aren’t diligent about belt use to buckle up. These new ratings are designed to push manufacturers to realize that potential.”
Previous IIHS research has shown that more noticeable and persistent alerts could increase belt use among those who do not routinely buckle up by as much as 34 percent, preventing an estimated 1,500 fatalities a year.
To earn a good rating, a seat belt reminder system must generate an audible signal and visual alert on the dashboard display, overhead panel or center console when the vehicle is moving at least 10 km/h and the system detects an unbelted occupant in one of the front-row seating positions or the unfastening of a second-row belt that was previously buckled.
“Receiving this rating is a testament to our dedication to occupant safety,” said SCI chairman, president and CEO Yasushi Enami. “It provides yet another example of uncommon safety found in a Subaru.”
