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Honda Says "No" to
Seat Belts for Larger Passengers
June 24, 2000
Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590
Re: Elizabeth Fisher's Petition for an amendment to SEC. 571.209 Standard No.
209, Seat Belt Assemblies.
Dear Administrator:
I am writing in support of Elizabeth Fisher's petition to amend Federal Regulation
49CFR571.209.
Please address the hypocrisy in the current law:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and President Clinton's Buckle
Up America campaign are asking America to buckle up. In order for all Americans
to buckle up, vehicle manufacturers must be required to manufacture seat belt
assemblies that fit all people, not just those who weigh less than 215 lbs.
Vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, just like people, and if a person fits
in a vehicle, they ought to be able to buckle their seat belt.
There is a significant portion of the population who weighs more than 215 pounds.
Please think about the message being sent to fat adults and, even more chillingly,
to fat children: "We only care about protecting your life if you are average
size."
The auto manufacturers who have been responsive to the requests of larger people
have been able to accomidate them without undue expense or trouble. This is
not an engineering problem or an economic problem. It is a problem of social
discrimination, and your agency has the power to make it right. Please do so
immediately.
Sincerely,
Debora L. Burgard, Ph.D.