Wheelchair Restraint Devices Face Safety Recall

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- American Seating Co. is recalling certain Q'Straint QRT Max mobility device remote release belts used with Insight Transverse flip-up seats installed as original equipment on various transit buses. 

These devices are used to restrain passengers using mobility aid products such as wheelchairs. The restraint belts may not lock as designed, and may fail to properly restrain the passenger and the mobility device, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash. 

Each vehicle manufacturer will file a defect report and remedy plan for their vehicles that are equipped with these mobility device restraint belts as original equipment, the NHTSA said. American Seating is working with the vehicle manufacturers to identify the affected transit buses. 

The necessary repairs will be performed free of charge by either American Seating or the vehicle manufacturer.