As of 1999, what does federal law require for all new vehicles?

Federal law mandates that all new vehicles must be equipped with driver-side airbags to enhance safety in the event of a collision. This requirement was established to reduce the risk of injury or death to the driver during frontal crashes, which are among the most common types of vehicle accidents. The implementation of this law reflects a commitment to improving vehicle safety features and has contributed significantly to the decrease in fatalities over time.

While passenger-side airbags, anti-lock braking systems, and rearview cameras have also become important safety features in vehicles, the specific requirement for driver-side airbags was a foundational regulation aimed at protecting drivers effectively right from the 1999 standard. The continued evolution of vehicle safety regulations illustrates the ongoing efforts to protect all vehicle occupants, ensuring that cars are safer for everyone on the road.