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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 14, 2000
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 fact, in 49 states, seatbelts are the law. However, currently regulations specify that vehicle manufacturers are only required to manufacture seat belt assemblies that fit people up to 215 pounds. This means that people who weigh more than 215 pounds and who do not fit into the standard seatbelt assembly are forced to 1) break the law, and 2) put their lives, as well as the lives of others in jeopardy, every time they ride in a car unbelted.
Designing and manufacturing seatbelt assemblies to fit large people is not a difficult engineering feat. However, some vehicle manufacturers, most notably the Honda Corporation, have refused to do so voluntarily. This is why we must amend the regulation. People come in all sizes. In fact, it is part of the genetic make-up of the human species to include a very wide range of heights and weights. I am respectfully asking you to acknowledge and include the entire population of this country, which you serve, not simply those who weigh less than 215 pounds.
Sincerely,
JeanMarie Olivieri