After nearly 40 years, the auto industry may again force drivers to buckle up before they can start their cars.But first, federal regulators will conduct more research before it allows automakers to install seat belt-ignition interlocks in order to skip crash tests designed to protect unbelted motorists. The U.S. government required interlocks on nearly all 1974-model cars before an outcry prompted Congress to overrule the unpopular mandate almost 40 years ago.
On Wednesday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rejected a petition from German automaker BMW AG, which wanted to skip certain crash-testing requirements if it installed seat belt interlocks in the front seat.
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