Interpretation ID: nht81-1.40
DATE: 03/16/81
FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; J. Zemaitis; NHTSA
TO: Poly Dyne Engineering
TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION
TEXT:
U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Date: March 16 1981 NO9-00
Subject: Poly Dyne Engineering P.O. Box 3517 Scottsdale, Arizona 85257
From: Motor Vehicle Program Director, Region IX
To: Office of Chief Counsel NOA-30
Enclosed is a letter dated March 6, 1981, and an attached brochure illustrating a reflective device.
We would appreciate your response to the subject.
Joseph Zemaitis
Enclosure
Poly Dyne Engineering Box 3517 Scottsdale, Arizona 85257
March 6, 1981
Joseph F. Zemaitis National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2 Embarcadero Center, Suite 610 San Francisco, CA 94111 Dear Mr. Zemaitis:
Recently, we have requested copies of regulations pertaining to standards and usage of triangle type flares of warning signals as related to overland trucks. Your office has been helpful in supplying us with copies of current DOT regulations along with procedures to follow for possible amendments.
The purpose of this letter and prior inquiries was to initiate some action that would allow the use of our new patented triangle signal either in addition to or in place of the type that now is carried by truckers to be set on the ground in proper orientation to disabled or parked trucks.
Our product, photos and literature enclosed, has been designed for either rear or side mount on trucks, RVs or any other vehicle and is automatically deployed into its triangular configuration upon withdrawal from the case. Not only is the signal weather tight, but it is permanently mounted on a vehicle and can be rapidly deployed in a matter of seconds or re-encased in the same amount of time. Naturally, the product has been designed to meet DOT specifications for size, reflective surface area, reflectivity and environmental requirements. We have found that a signal of this type mounted a minimum of 3 to 5 feet above the road surface becomes highly visible to approaching traffic from far greater distances than those sitting on the ground. Additionally, they are not subject to the effects of high winds, theft, or the all too common breakage from passing traffic and, by the ease with which they can be deployed, would encourage their use by truckers as well as by RV owners, truck and trailer rental companies, delivery services, etc...We believe that more extensive use of this type of warning device would add significantly to traffic safety.
Needless to say, we are enthused about our new warning signal and have received unusually enthusiastic response from truckers and fleet owners who have seen this device and would like to see it used in place of those now required for road surface display.
We would appreciate your review of the enclosed information as well as your opinion of its benefits and your estimate of the amount of time and effort that may be involved in obtaining DOT approval for its use.
O. Vandewege, Pres. PolyDyne Engineering
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