Interpretation ID: aiam0254
Technical Editor
Automotive Engineering
Two Pennsylvania Plaza
New York
New York 10001;
Dear Mr. O'Neill: Thank you for your letter of August 17, 1970, concerning Mr. George R Smith's comments on the energy- absorbing steering system in response to my interview in your August issue.; I did not mean to imply that energy-absorbing steering systems were no installed by some manufacturers, such a General Motors, prior to the effective date of our Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 203 - Impact Protection for the Driver from the Steering Control System.; Mr. Smith is correct in noting that Standard No. 203 does not requir collapsible steering columns. It was intentionally written in performance terms rather than as a design specification. Most manufacturers chose the collapsible steering column to meet the standard, hence the common use of the term 'collapsible column' to refer to our requirements. However, it should be noted that the standard is also being complied with by steering control systems employing other methods of energy-absorption including energy-absorbing rims and a collapsible bellows located forward of the steering wheel hub.; Regarding your request for a copy of the National Highway Safety Burea 'Program Plan for Motor Vehicle Safety Standards,' This plan is a working document and represents the presently scheduled rulemaking actions to be issued by our Motor Vehicle Programs activity during the period of 1970-1972. I am pleased to enclose a copy as you requested.; I appreciate the opportunity to clarify some of my interview remark and I enjoy reading Mr. Smith's comments.; Sincerely, Douglas W. Toms, Director