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Honda Says "No" to
Seat Belts for Larger Passengers
Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590
Dear Administrator:
As Chairwoman if the International Alliance for Size Acceptance, an organisation
with members all over the world, I write in support of Elizabeth Fisher's petition
to amend Federal Regulation SEC. 571.209 Standard No. 209, Seat Belt Assemblies.
You will be aware that at present, seat belts are required to be safe for people
of only 215lb, this currently makes many millions of Americans unsafe as passengers
and drivers.
Even if the belts can be fastened (and many are too short, companies such as
Honda will not provide extenders) in the event of an accident, they will not
hold. Seatbelts which cannot be fastened around larger people also contribute
to a criminal offences, as buckling up is mandatory in many areas.
The effects of action or inaction on the part of the NHTSA is multi-faceted.
If you as the governing authority are aware of this and refuse to do anything
to change it, you may be perceived as guilty of complicity, not only in the
negligence which puts people¹s lives at risk, but also an accessory to crime.
I am sure that this is not what you or the American people want or find acceptable.
However, if you act to change things, the effects will not only be an honourable
stand on your part, but far-reaching across the world..
As the rules on weight limits and lengths of safety belts are often written
in the Asian countries from which the vehicles originate, people in other countries
are also at risk. Here in New Zealand for instance we have very many people
of large stature, we too are entitled to our safety.
Should the USA be seen to stand strong on this issue and insist that belts be
made safe for ALL Americans (and isn¹t equality the American way?) then the
rules will be changed at source. Cars will then come onto the market which are
safe for you and us!
At the very least, your stand on this issue could give us valuable support in
our fight to make our own people safe.
I hope you will consider all the implications of this situation and move swiftly
to improve things for your fellow Americans and all people.
Sincerely,
Lynda Finn
Chairwoman: International Alliance for Size Acceptance
CEO: New Zealand-Wide and Wonderful
Author of ŒLargely Happy.¹
Waitakere, Aotearoa-New Zealand