Interpretation ID: nht88-2.47

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: 06/09/88

FROM: LARRY P. EGLEY

TO: LEWIS BUCHANAN -- NHTSA

TITLE: NONE

ATTACHMT: ATTACHED TO LETTER DATED 08/09/89 FROM STEPHEN P. WOOD -- NHTSA TO LARRY P. EGLEY; REDBOOK A33 [2]; STANDARD 108; LETTER DATED 01/17/89 FROM LARRY P. EGLEY TO KATHLEEN DEMETER -- NHTSA; OCC 3028; LETTER DATED 05/23/89 FROM LARRY P. EGLEY TO KAT HLEEN DEMETER -- NHTSA; LETTER DATED 09/10/88 FROM LARRY P. EGLEY TO KATHLEEN DEMETER -- NHTSA; OCC 2530; REPORT DATED 09/10/88 FROM LARRY P. EGLEY, REQUEST FOR EVALUATION / INTERPRETATION OF PROPOSED INVENTION, SUDDEN STOP FLASHER [SSF]; REPORT DATED 09 /07/88 FROM LARRY P. EGLEY, AN APPEAL FOR VARIANT INTERPRETATION OF NHTSA STANDARDS AS THEY RELATE TO BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE SUDDEN STOP FLASHER [SSF]; LETTER DATED 07/13/88 FROM KATHLEEN DEMETER -- NHTSA TO LARRY P. EGLEY; LETTER DATED 06/23/88 FROM LARRY P. EGLEY TO RALPH HITCHCOCK -- NHTSA; OCC 2256; LETTER DATED 06/20/88 FROM LEWIS S. BUCHANAN -- EPA TO LARRY P. EGLEY; OCC 2199

TEXT: Dear Mr. Buchanan:

I have invented a concept which I believe could significantly improve automobile safety. I call this concept the Sudden Stop Flasher (SSF).

The SSF would work in conjunction with standard automobile brake lights. During the routine deceleration range, the brake lights would function normally. However, at an unusually high braking deceleration rate, such as when the driver suddenly sees a dog on the road or an accident ahead, the SSF system would utilize a pendulum-type decelerometer in conjunction with a special high-speed flasher to rapidly flash the brake lights automatically (such as drivers sometimes try to do themselves but only whe n they have time!).

To increase the effective flash rate, and the "attention-getting index," the high-mount light would flash in rapid sequence with the two lower brake lights, the latter two flashing simualtanously.

I believe this concept would be especially effective in preventing high-speed crashes such as on an Interstate highway when separation intervals are greater and when rapid deceleration may be completely unexpected. These crashes too frequently result in ruptured gas tanks and fatalities.

The SSF would also be especially applicable, I believe, to sutomobiles with anti-skid brakes, because of their superior braking performance. While anti-skid brakes may be highly effective, ironically, automobiles without anti-skid brakes travelling b ehind them may crash into them because of inferior braking performance.

With or without anti-skid braking involved, however, the automatic signal that a high-deceleration slowdown or stop is occuring up ahead could often provide the critical second or two of advance warning which could be the difference between a safe sto p and disaster.

Patent application activity is in progress. However, before I invest more money to develop this concept, I want to be reasonably sure it is not likely to be categorically disapproved by NHTSA. While I do not expect approval, of course, based on only a general description, I would very much appreciate your preliminary comments concerning the prospects of this concept, as well as any related advice you may have to offer.

Because patent activity is in progress, I would appreciate reasonable confidentially.

I would hope to receive a reply from you within 30 days of this date, June 9, 1988.

Thank you very much for your attention.