Auto Safety Assurance Act of 2001

The Auto Safety Assurance Act of 2001 (H.R. 2696) proposed new federal safety requirements for all passenger cars manufactured after December 31, 2003. If enacted, the bill would have required vehicles to be equipped with automatic door locks that activate when the car is put into gear or reaches a certain speed. Additionally, it mandated that all vehicle trunks be equipped with an internal release mechanism to allow someone to unlatch the trunk from the inside. These measures were intended to enhance occupant security and prevent individuals from becoming trapped in vehicle trunks.