U.S. to Require Trunk Release Handles

New cars would be required to have release handles inside trunks by 2001 under a federal proposal. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration plan would mandate the release mechanisms but allow auto makers flexibility in choosing what type of device to use, government officials and interest groups said. The proposal is expected to be announced next week and would be followed by a public comment period. Since 1970, there have been more than 1,100 incidents in which people have been locked in trunks--mostly adults locked in by criminals, or children who unintentionally locked themselves in--according to the Trunk Releases Urgently Needed Coalition. At least 260 people have died, including 11 children during the sweltering summer of 1998.