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Honda Says "No" to
Seat Belts for Larger Passengers
June 27, 2000
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.
There are laws in 49 states and the District of Columbia that require seat belt use, yet there is no federal regulation that requires vehicle manufacturers to make seat belt assemblies that fit people who weigh over 215 pounds. What good are stringent safety requirements if we cannot fasten our seat belts?
On the NHTSA website there is an advertisement for the Buckle Up America Campaign. How can you encourage rigorous enforcement of state and local seat-belt laws when your own regulation seems to be based on exclusion of a significant portion of our population?
My seatbelt in my Toyota Camry fits fine, however, riding in my mother’s Cadillac the seatbelt is snug. My husband and I are currently trying to have a child. I fear that when I get pregnant I will no longer be able to fasten the seatbelt in my mother’s car (who drives when we carpool to work). Should I put myself and my unborn child at risk and not wear one?
Please amend 49CFR571.209 to provide a means for large people to buckle their seat belts in vehicles they are riding in.
Sincerely,
Deborah Charlene Martens
