Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
400 Seventh Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20590

Dear Administrator:

I am writing in support of Elizabeth Fisher's petition to amend Federal Regulation SEC. 571.209 Standard No. 209, Seat Belt Assemblies.

Most states, including mine, require that people use seat belts, yet there is no federal regulation that requires vehicle manufacturers to make seat belt assemblies that fit people who weigh over 215 pounds. Considering the great number of people who weigh more than 215 pounds, I see this as just one more incident of fat discrimination. Does the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration think fat people being injured or killed in car accidents is okay? Apparently, it’s only important to protect thin people. This is appalling.

We are always being encouraged to "buckle our seat belts". We can’t do that if seat belts don’t fit and auto makers are not required to use longer seat belts or provide extenders to those of us who need them. I urge you to amend 49CFR571.209 to protect the health and safety of all Americans, not just those who fit our society’s bigoted idea of acceptable body size.

Sincerely,

Nancy B. Marshello
Vice President, National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance