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America's Car Companies Praise Government Program to Increase Seat Belt Use

6 October 1997

America's Car Companies Praise Government Program to Increase Seat Belt Use

    WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 -- Andrew H. Card, Jr., President & CEO of
the American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA), issued the following
statement today in support of the U.S. Department of Transportation's program
to increase safety belt use and decrease traffic injuries to children.
    "America's Car Companies have long supported and promoted the use of
safety belts as the primary protection for automobile occupants.  So we are
pleased that the Department of Transportation has chosen to make personal
responsibility, especially safety belt use, the centerpiece of its programs to
reduce traffic injuries on America's highways.
    "We are also pleased that DOT will give special attention to the safety of
our youngest and most vulnerable passengers.
    "Great progress has been made in increasing safety on America's roads, but
more can be done.  The safety systems in today's vehicles provide the most
protection when used properly; that means that every driver and every
passenger must do his or her part. The most important step is also the easiest
-- buckle up.  And in protecting our children, the message is simple and
clear: buckle everyone, children in the back.
    "We look forward to working with the Department of Transportation on this
important initiative."

    AAMA is the trade association whose members are Chrysler Corporation, Ford
Motor Company and General Motors Corporation.  Visit AAMA's site on the World
 Wide Web at http://www.aama.com.

SOURCE  American Automobile Manufacturers Association