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Honda Says "No" to Seat Belts for Larger Passengers

June 6, 2000

Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
400 Seventh Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 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 49CFR571.209. 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 pounds. 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.

In an age when we know that seat belt use saves lives, it makes little sense that auto manufactures are not required by law to provide safe, usable seat belts that every American can use. Further, it seems absurd that an Administration, which is promoting seat belt use, has no regulations in place to require manufactures to provide belts large enough to fit a person more than 215 pounds.

I urge you to support Elizabeth Fisher's petition, and change the manufacturing requirements of seat belts. How often is it that such a small change could potentially save so many lives?

Sincerely,

T

cc: The Honorable Barbara Mikulski
The Honorable Paul Sarbanes
The Honorable Wayne Gilchrest