Interpretation ID: nht95-2.9

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: March 21, 1995

FROM: Charles Tucker

TO: Gayle D. Dairymple, Safety Standard Engineer, NHTSA

TITLE: NONE

ATTACHMT: ATTACHED TO 5/1/95 LETTER FROM JOHN WOMACK TO CHARLES TUCKER (A43; Std. 208; VSA 108(a)(2)(A))

TEXT: Dear Ms. Gayle D. Dairymple,

I asked the company that is making the modifications to my van, Fitzpatrick Enterprises, and they said I need to get a letter from you stating they are allowed to replace the factory installed steering wheel with the smaller ASTECH steering wheel with out an air bag. The EGB II with the ASTECH steering wheel is the only way I will be able to drive.

Steve Manson, from Fitzpatrick Enterprises, Columbus, Ohio, asked me to write you and ask for permission to have my van modified with a smaller ASTECH steering wheel which does not have an airbag. Because my Range-Of-Motion (ROM) is limited from Mult iple Sclerosis, the smaller steering wheel improves my ability to drive safely.

Because RSC is doing the modification and the RSC policy is that, "all vehicles they modify must have an air bag", I will have to pay for the small steering wheel without an airbag. Fitzpatrick needs your written permission to install the steering wh eel that is best and safest for me, but doesn't come with an air bag. With the standard size steering wheel that came on the van, I have to move my arm too much for me to steer, and although "it's" a perfectly good steering wheel, it's too awkward for m e and isn't safe for me to drive with anymore.

The people in Ohio connected with my case, who can verify my need for a smaller steering wheel, and who have evaluated me, and have stated and written to me, that I will be a safe driver with the ASTECH steering wheel are: 1. Bob Farrell - at RSC ins pected my van and made recommendations, 2. Terrie Jones - at RSC is my counselor, 3. Dan Cox - at OSU did the clinical evaluation and the driver evaluation, 4. Dr. Kotil Rammohan & Dr. Joanne Lynn - at OSU Hospital are my doctors. A complete list wit h more names and addresses on page two.

IN CONCLUSION, I AM ASKING YOU FOR A LETTER THAT STATES:

FITZPATRICK ENTERPRISES IS ALLOWED TO MODIFY MY VAN, WITHOUT PUTTING IN AN AIRBAG.

Please call me if there is any other information about my [Illegible Words] you need and I can supply you with. I will be very happy to do whatever I can as it [Illegible Words] years since I've had a vehicle I can drive.

Attachment Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission:

Jim Mc Pherson, Zanesville Office Manager

Terrie Jones, Counselor

Rehabilitation Services Commission

Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation

601 Underwood Street, Suite D

Zanesville, OH 43701-43715

Telephone: (614) 453-0673

Fax: 452-8449

Bob Farrell - 708-256-2417

The Ohio State University Hospitals:

Dan Cox, B. S.

Program Manager / Driver Rehab Services

Ohio State University Hospitals

410 West 10th Avenue

Columbus, OH 43210-1228

Telephone: (614) 293-3833

The Van Equipment Assessment from OSU - 02/26/94

1.) EGB II with a EGB Ortho Tri Pin. 2.) Astech Steering Wheel with Air Bag. 3.) Spinner Knob placed at 3:00 o'clock. 4.) Upper Chest Support. 5.) Replace carpet with non-skid resistance surface in driving and cargo areas. 6.) 10 Hours of Behind-The-Wheel training to start with. 7.) A Clear Windshield. 8.) Client will have an Invacare 9000 Electric Wheelchair.

The company doing the Modifications is: Fitzpatrick Enterprises, Columbus, Ohio Telephone No: 800-545-1102 Ask for Steve Manson Fax: 614-497-1863 1993

My van: Ford E-150 Van

Ohio License Plate No: MPC790

Serial No: 1FDEE14N1PHA21756