Interpretation ID: nht91-1.1

DATE: 01/01/91 EST

FROM: Jessie M. Flautt

TO: Steve Kratzske -- NHTSA Office

TITLE: None

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 3-26-91 from Paul Jackson Rice to Jessie M. Flautt (A37; Std. 202; VSA 108(a)(2)(4))

TEXT:

I am writing to your department to obtain authorization to reduce the size of the headrests in a 1991 automobile; These reductions would still meet the federal standards set in 1987. I am not able to drive a 1991 car due to the increased length and width of the headrests in the past few years. The newer cars are designed for an average man with average vision: however, I am under five feet-two and an legally blind in one eye. Therefore, I cannot find a car that does not impede my field of vision. Consequently, my driving safety and that of drivers and passengers in other cars is in jeopardy as I have a limited view of side and rear objects.

I would be the sole driver of the car and would thus not be endangering anyone else by a reduction of the headrests: in fact, I would be greatly improving my own safety as well as that of persons in other vehicles if I were allowed to increase my field of vision by reducing the size of the headrests.

I apppreciate the time and interest you expended in speaking to me on the telephone. It is a wonderful feeling to know that we can indeed reach a helpful person in our huge goverment organization.

(Stetson's Auto Shops, 7414 Ashcroft, Houston, Texas, would be doing this work.)