Re NHTSA Side Air Bag Initiative: Statement from Allan I. Bergman, President and CEO Brain Injury Association of America

MCLEAN, Va., May 20, 2004 -- The following is a statement from Allan I. Bergman, President and CEO, Brain Injury Association of America:

On behalf of the at least 5.3 million Americans currently living with disabilities resulting from traumatic brain injury, the Brain Injury Association of America fully supports the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in its efforts to propose a major regulatory upgrade of side-impact crash protection for all passenger vehicles to enhance head protection, and reduce the incidence of fatalities as well as reduce severity of injury for individuals who survive.

According to NHTSA's estimates, in serious side-impact crashes involving at least one fatality, nearly 60 percent of those killed suffered brain injuries. Since prevention is the only cure for brain injury, also known as the "silent epidemic," the Association endorses any valid technologies to increase head protection for vehicle occupants who are struck from the side, such as safe and effective side air bags.

Allan I. Bergman is available to speak further on the Association's position concerning side airbags. To schedule an appointment, please call Catherine Sebold at 703/761-0750 ext 106.

Founded in 1980, the Brain Injury Association of America has 41 chartered state affiliates and hundreds of local chapters and support groups. The mission of the Association is to create a better future through brain injury prevention, research, education and advocacy. The Association envisions a world in which all preventable brain injuries are prevented, all unpreventable brain injuries are minimized and all individuals who have experienced brain injury maximize their quality of life.