Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller IV said in a statement that he was disappointed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s decision to postpone the finalization of a rule that would require automakers to “expand the field of view” behind passenger vehicles when they are in reverse, presumably via rear-view cameras or other sensor systems. He received a letter from the U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood explaining the decision.

“I am deeply disappointed by the Administration’s foot dragging over a rule that could help save the lives of hundreds of young children and prevent thousands of heartbreaking injuries,” said Rockefeller. “The fact is simple – installing rear cameras in cars will prevent injury and death. The Administration needs to move forward with this common sense safety measure because children’s lives are in jeopardy.”

The original rule was passed as part of the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act of 2007.