Interpretation ID: 86-4.14

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: 07/16/86

FROM: DALTON G. FEAGLER

TO: ADMINISTRATOR -- NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

TITLE: NONE

ATTACHMT: ATTACHED TO LETTER DATED 12/22/86 TO DALTON G. FEAGLER FROM ERIKA Z. JONES, REDBOOK A29 (4); STD 108, VSA 108

TEXT: Dear sir or madam:

Reference is made to 49 CFR 571, Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, Docket No. 69-18, revised May 22, 1985. Particular reference is made to paragraph S4.5.4, which is quoted:

"The stoplights on each vehicle shall be activated upon application of the service brakes. The high-mounted stoplamp on each passenger car shall be activated only upon application of the service brakes."

Living in metropolitan Atanta, Georgia, and its highly congested traffic, I soon learned that rear-end collisons, and resulting whip-lash injuries, are to be avoided. I resolved to decrease those possibilities.

In short, I've come up with a switching device which activates the stoplights of a vehicle the moment pressure is released from the accelerator. This is installed without disconnecting, or altering, any functions or systems; the device merely accelerates, by approximately three-quarters of a second, the warning of deacceleration and stopping. Further, this advanced warning increases the safe stopping distance.

We do not alter any of the vehicle's functions; the stoplamps of the vehicle remain activated upon application of the service brakes. We believe our device, known as the "Dee-Tailer", fully complies with cited Standard 108.

Would your agency desire to road-test our device? Before proceeding further, we desire your asessment and comments.

Awaiting your early reply.

Sincerely,