Interpretation ID: aiam1781
United States Senate
Washington
DC 20510;
Dear Senator Scott: This is in response to your letter of January 28, 1975, requestin information concerning correspondence from the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association urging the issuance of a 2.5 mph bumper impact requirement by February 15, 1975.; On January 2, 1975, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administratio (NHTSA) published a Federal Register notice proposing to reduce the current 5-mph bumper impact requirements to 2.5 mph. The proposal was based primarily on the results of two agency- conducted studies which indicated that the cost and weight of many current production bumpers, in light of inflation and fuel shortages, made the bumpers no longer cost-beneficial. The aim of the proposed reduction in the bumper impact requirements is to allow manufacturers to produce lighter bumpers, which NHTSA studies indicate would have a favorable effect on the cost-benefit ratio.; No agreement was made with the motor vehicle industry concerning th proposal. The proposed reduction in the bumper requirements does not constitute a final statement of the NHTSA's position. All comments and data submitted in response to the proposal will be thoroughly considered before any final decision is reached.; Petitions have been received from various motor vehicle manufacturers insurance groups, and members of Congress requesting extensions of the period allowed for the submission of comments to the proposal. Although the motor vehicle manufacturers limited their request for an extension to that portion of the proposal that would not take effect until 1978, sufficient interest has been shown to indicate that more time is needed for the preparation of comments. Therefore, the comment period has been extended until March 3, 1975.; In addition, in order to allow the airing of all views, we have decide that a public hearing would be desirable. The hearing has been scheduled for February 18 and 19, 1975, at which time all interested persons are invited to present their views on the proposed amendment. I cordially invite the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association to attend and present its thoughts on this subject. We feel that the time schedule for the hearing and the comment closing date will permit the presentation of all sides of the questions involved, and enable the agency to make a final decision in time for the motor vehicle manufacturers to act with respect to the 1976 model year.; For your information, I have enclosed a copy of the Federal Registe notice scheduling the public hearing and extending the comment period. Your interest and that of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association is greatly appreciated.; Sincerely, Barmin