Interpretation ID: nht88-1.56

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: 02/26/88

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Erika Z. Jones; NHTSA

TO: Federal Bureau of Investigation

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT:

Federal Bureau of Investigation P.O. BOX 709 Portland, OR 97207

Dear Mr. Bendig:

This responds to your letter, as supplemented by the information you provided in a November 19 telephone conversation with Deirdre Hom of my staff, requesting this agency to approve the Bureau's acquisition of one M-151 series vehicle for occasional off- road surveillance work. I regret the delay in responding. We continue to recommend against the sale of M-151 vehicles to civilians.

As you might know, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was first contacted by Department of Defense (DOD) personnel in May 1971, for comments and recommendations concerning sale of M-151 series vehicles to the public. After a serie s of meetings between DOD and NHTSA staff, NHTSA recommended against the sale of these vehicles to the public under any circumstances. This recommendation, in fact, followed DOD policy which only allowed persons to drive these vehicles after a specialize d training program.

The reason for the DOD policy and NHTSA recommendation concerning the M-151 series is the definite tendency of these vehicles to turn over without warning when operating limits are exceeded. This tendency results from the unique independent rear suspensi on system of the military design, coupled with the vehicle's short wheelbase, narrow tread width, and high center of gravity. Accident statistics maintained by the Department of the Army after the 1971 recommendation, for the period of july 1972 through December 1977, indicate that the M-151 series vehicles were involved in 1,703 rollovers, 105 fatalities and 1,546 disabling injuries to D.S. Army personnel. Over 80 percent of these rollovers reportedly occurred due to driver error despite the required i ntensive driver training program.

NHTSA believes that the M-151 series vehicles present a clear safety hazard if not driven within specific operating limits. Control of such vehicles, once sold to the public even for "off road" use, appears to pose unique hazards. NHTSA is concerned for the safety of Bureau personnel who would operate M-151 series vehicles if we were to recommend that the Bureau be permitted to acquire such a vehicle, and we are concerned also for the safety of other motorists who would share the road with these vehicle s. NHTSA continues to recommend against disposal of the vehicles to the public until the DOD can provide evidence that the M-151 series is safe.

Thank you for your inquiry. If you have further questions, please let us know.

Sincerely,

Erika Z. Jones Chief Counsel

Department of Transportation Chief Council 400 7TH ST. S.W., N.O.A.-20 Washington, D.C. 20590

Dear Sirs,

Our office is requesting four (4) Military Jeeps model A1 from surplus. These vehicles will be used for surveillance work only in dense wooded areas.

In the past we have been using our own BUCARS, which have received damages, costing the bureau not just monies, but also vehicle down time.

The vehicles will be used in Bend, Coos Bay, and Eugene, Or. the forth one will be used in our Seattle Wa. field office.

The only time these vehicles would be on main roads and/or highways, would be the time required to get from the office to the sight.

If approved please send a copy of the letter to DRMO-Ogden 500 W. 12TH ST. Ogden, Ut. 84407-5001 Attn: Jim Marsh (Ph.# 801-399-7033)

Raymond E. Bendig

Property Clerk Portland Office