Interpretation ID: nht95-4.75

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: November 13, 1995

FROM: B. Michael Korte, Esq. -- Law Firm of John B. Schwabe II

TO: NHTSA

TITLE: Airbag Safety

ATTACHMT: 1/29/96 letter from Samuel J. Dubbin to B. Michael Korte (A44; Std. 208)

TEXT: To Whom It May Concern:

I am a lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri who represents a client who injured in a rearend collision with another driver. The other driver's airbag deployed, but the other driver claims that she was travelling less than 15 miles per hour at impact.

I have, as best as I can, reviewed 49 CFR 571.208 and other sections of the Code of Federal Regulations regarding federal standards as to the deployment of airbags. After doing so, however, I am unable to determine whether or not any federal standard s exist as to the deployment of airbags. In other words, I am unable to determine whether or not federal regulations establish a minimum speed that vehicles must be travelling, below which an airbag will not deploy.

I would appreciate it if you would contact me and let me know whether or not any such regulations or guidelines exist. Thank you for your cooperation, courtesy and attention to this request.