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Restraints Industry Ready for New Safety Rules

15 September 1998

Restraints Industry Ready for New Safety Rules, Reports Automotive Occupant Restraints Council

    WASHINGTON, Sept. 14 -- The automotive occupant restraints
industry today pledged its support to meet the federal government's latest
requirements that will govern the performance of all future motor vehicle air
bags, reports Automotive Occupant Restraints Council (AORC).
    George Kirchoff, president of AORC today said, "Our members commend the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for initiating the rulemaking
process and look forward to working with the automobile manufacturers to bring
to the motoring public the latest in advanced technology restraint systems."
    AORC, a nonprofit international organization, represents 50 manufacturers
and suppliers of air bags, safety belts, automotive seating and their
components.
    AORC's statement follows an announcement from the Nation Highway Traffic
Safety Administration that signals the opening of rulemaking that is expected
to overhaul the car crash tests to improve air bag safety.
    Although the proposed rules are yet to be finalized, Kirchoff said AORC
member companies have been working several years developing the next
generation of safety devices, some of which will be in cars sold soon in this
country and others that are ready for evaluation by motor vehicle
manufacturers.
    Kirchoff defined advanced technology restraints as sophisticated systems
that monitor and analyze such factors as the severity of a motor vehicle
crash, and precrash circumstances of both the vehicle and its occupants.  With
those data, advanced systems will tailor the performance of the restraint
devices to reduce serious injuries and fatalities.  He added that advanced
systems, "In no way replace properly secured safety belts and cautioned that
children 12 years of age and younger should ride in the rear seat whenever
possible."