Interpretation ID: 86-5.27

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: 09/29/86

FROM: DALE T. FANZO

TO: DIANE STEED -- NHTSA

TITLE: NONE

ATTACHMT: ATTACHED TO LETTER DATED 09/02/88 FROM ERIKA Z JONES TO GERALD PETERSON; REDBOOK A32, STANDARD 202; LETTER DATED 05/17/88 FROM GERALD PETERSON TO ERIKA JONES, OCC - 2052; LETTER DATED 08/28/87 FROM CARL C CLARK TO JERRY PETERSON

TEXT: Dear Ms. Steed,

"I hereby petition the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to change the requirements of Standard #202 to include head restraints on vehicles other than passenger cars. I feel that the listing of these mini vans as multi purpose evades the issue of safety. I am enclosing this copy of my letter to Lee Iacocca and Chrysler's response. A brief summary of my accident follows:

"On February 11, 1986 I was sitting at a red light on Route 22. A welding truck was in back of me and was struck by a milk tanker. The driver of the tanker dozed off at 50 mph, pusing the welding truck into me with me ending up 211 ft. from point of contact.

"The result from the accident was I had 0 degree head movement for 9 weeks and a A/C separation of the left shoulder. After seeing 4 doctors and 6 therapists I am able to move my head to the left, however, only 60 degree to the right. It is 7 months now and I may have permanent damage to my ligaments in my neck. I have been told that a normal whiplash is caused when your head goes back and it bounces off the head restraint. However, my 3 seated Voyager SE had no head rest which caused my head to snap over the seat causing my injury.

"Ms. Steed, my van is listed with the State as a station wagon and also with my insurance company. If you check to see how many SE Voyager and Caravans were purchased since 1984 you would find, I'm sure, 80%-90% with families. My purpose for this petition is to make sure that no other innocent party will have to go through what I have been going through. To make matters worse, I am a self employed individual who relys on sales by way of 40,000 miles a year to support my family."

In summary, I would appreciate your time and consideration towards this petition. I can be reached at the above address, or by calling (412) 831-8514.

ENCLS