Brain Injury Association Lauds NHTSA For Vehicle Safety Leadership in 2004

New federal mandates to preserve quality of life for thousands of Michigan motorists

BRIGHTON, Mich., Dec. 16 -- Thousands of lives saved. Billions of dollars in reduced health care and related costs. That's the future benefit of recent rulings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to the Brain Injury Association of Michigan.

"NHTSA has, in particular, demonstrated bold leadership in upgrading a number of vehicle restraint standards," said Michael Dabbs, president of the Brighton-based non-profit association.

Dabbs cited three NHTSA initiatives -- two final rulings and a notice of proposed rulemaking -- that the Brain Injury Association of Michigan says advances the safety standards for vehicles.

The first ruling, finalized on Dec. 7, 2004, upgrades NHTSA's head restraint standard in order to reduce whiplash injuries in rear collisions. Under the new standard, which becomes mandatory for all vehicles manufactured on or after Sept. 1, 2008, a higher minimum height requirement is established. The ruling also limits the distance between the back of an occupant's head and the head restraint as well as the size of gaps and openings within head restraints. In addition, the ruling establishes new strength and dynamic compliance requirements and tightens most existing test procedures while establishing requirements for head restraints voluntarily installed in rear outboard designated seating positions.

A second ruling, issued on Dec. 8, 2004, adopts a NHTSA proposal to require all designated seating positions in rear seats (other than side-facing seats) to be equipped with integral lap/shoulder safety belts. The new requirement would come into effect on vehicles manufactured after Sept. 1, 2005.

Perhaps even more significant long-term is a NHTSA proposed rule that substantially upgrades the side impact protection standard. The proposal would require all passenger vehicles less than 10,000 pounds to be equipped with front seat side impact protection.

Dabbs said all three NHTSA initiatives will lead to improved occupant safety and benefit society in measurable ways, particularly in the number of lives saved, injuries prevented, and a lessening of the severity of brain injuries.

"Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in Michigan and throughout the country every year. We applaud the leadership of NHTSA in advancing the cause of prevention by mandating these improvements to all vehicles," said Dabbs. "By setting achievable standards for all passenger vehicles, the agency is demonstrating a commitment to the overall safety of all passengers and working toward the significant reduction of motor vehicle-related brain injuries."

Founded in 1981, The Brain Injury Association of Michigan is a nonprofit organization that provides help, hope and a voice for the 200,000 Michigan residents who live with a permanent disability as a result of a brain injury. Through education, advocacy, research and prevention, the Association brings

together persons with a brain injury, their families and friends, concerned professionals, and their communities. For more information, please call 1-800-722-4323 or Google biami