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Honda Says "No" to Seat Belts for Larger Passengers
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.
June 13, 2000
Dear administrator:
I am writing in support of Elizabeth Fisher's petition to amend 49CFR571.209.
Currently, vehicle manufacturers are only required to provide seatbelts that
accommodate males up to 215 pounds. This is tantamount to the federal government
saying it doesn't matter if a fat person dies. If you're fat and you happen
to get in an automobile accident, you deserve whatever you get.
I weigh more than 215 pounds. (I guess I'm lucky that my vehicle has a generous
seatbelt. At least makers of my vehicle value my health, even if my government
does not.) My mother weighs more than 215 pounds. My father, at different times
in his life, has weighed more than 215 pounds. My boyfriend weighs more than
215 pounds. The majority of my friends and relatives weigh more than 215 pounds.
I would hate it if any of these beautiful people, these contributing members
of society, happened to be riding in a vehicle with stingy seatbelts at the
wrong moment.
I personally know three people who are unable to wear a seatbelt (in their *own*
vehicles) because they are simply not long enough and because the vehicle manufacturer
refuses to provide an extender for their belts. One of these people was seriously
injured in an automobile recently. Her injuries would have been much less severe,
had she been able to buckle the seatbelt of the vehicle in which she was riding.
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.
I value the lives and the health of *all* Americans! I would like the NHTSA
to value our lives, too!!!
Sincerely,
Marilyn Wann
FAT!SO? author