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Says "No" to Seat Belts for Larger Passengers
Jade
Vice President
SeattleBBW, Incorporated
Seattle, Washington
June 6, 2000
Administrator National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
400 Seventh Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20590
Re: Support for 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.
I am community activist and grass roots organizer in Seattle, Washington. Currently,
I am working with a social group that reaches over 700 people in the Western
Washington area that are people of size and the people who care for them. While
the sizes of large within our group varies greatly, many of the people lack
proper accessibility to things often taken for granted by our thinner allies
such as theater seats, clothing that fits, and yes, seatbelts that fit safely.
In 1987, on the way to my prenatal appointment, I suffered serious injury to
myself and risked serious injury to my unborn child due to the inability to
fit into a standard sized seatbelt. I was 35 weeks pregnant (almost full term)
and my head went through the windshield while my body was used to break apart
the dashboard. At the time, I weighed 235 lbs. and was very physically fit.
Luckily, we both survived. Had a seatbelt that fit properly been available,
$5,000 in medical expenses and the pain and fear that come with the accident
injuries could have been avoided. The officer on the scene told me that if I
had been wearing a safety belt, I would have walked away rather than having
to be transported to the hospital via ambulance.
It is not unreasonable to say that if one fits properly in a vehicle, then one
ought to be able to drive that vehicle safely. In America, we go to great lengths
to promote safety and the "Buckle Up" campaign is all over the television and
throughout our schools. In my home state of Washington, you must have a working
seatbelt to obtain a license.
If the NHTSA refuses to amend SEC. 571.209 Standard No. 209, Seat Belt Assemblies
they will be doing a great injustice to larger Americans.
Sincerely,
Jade