U.S. Lowers Bar on Seat-Belt Use
WASHINGTON — The government is backing away from its goal of getting 90% of Americans to wear seat belts by 2005, contending that the level set in the Clinton administration is too unrealistic.
The new goal is 78% by 2003, compared with 87% envisioned under the Clinton plan. Federal regulators will decide after 2003 whether to set new goals.
The Clinton administration’s 10-year plan has proved too ambitious, Jeffrey W. Runge, head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, told a Senate Appropriations panel. Seat belt use was a record 73% in 2001, but below the goal of 86%. he said.
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) who leads the transportation subcommittee, criticized the decision for lowering expectations.
States set belt laws but the federal government can encourage them to toughen legislation.
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