Originally Posted by
FBinNY
I wonder if the objection is technical, ie. the wiring harness fitted OEM making it difficult to individually control the right and left side rear door locks independenltly without costly modifications.
In any case, I don't like governmental micromanagement, and so don't support a mandate. However, I'd like to see the law clarified making it clearly the (cab) driver's responsibility for the consequences of a passenger opening a door into the traffic side. (or regardless of which side). Then, I suspect that many operators will adapt and adopt ways including (maybe) some kind of lock to protect themselves from potential suits.
Most new cars have child locks. One could enable the child lock on the driver side, and force all passengers to get out on the passenger side. I'm sure that would be popular when the cab picks up several passengers.
With electronic locks, it wouldn't take much to install a device that allows the driver to remotely lock and unlock passenger doors when the coast is clear. In theory, an AI could be programmed to do that automatically. It would be a pretty simple computer system.
So far I haven't plowed into any doors, but don't get in door zones a lot. What is the average time between a car parking and a door popping open? It would seem like one would give extra clearance to cabs and delivery vehicles, and any vehicle one sees pull into a parking lot.