Interpretation ID: 13104.jeg
V-Car Safety Team
Daewoo Motor Co., Ltd.
KOREA
FAX: 82-32-520-2837
Dear Sir or Madam:
This responds to your faxed letter asking about Standard No. 208, Occupant Crash Protection. I apologize for the delay in our response.
You noted that passenger cars are required to meet Standard No. 208's occupant injury criteria using the air bag only, and also using the air bag plus the manual seat belt. You asked whether passenger cars are also required to meet the standard's injury criteria using the manual seat belt only. The answer to this question is no.
You also cited the possibility of people being killed in a crash in which the air bag does not deploy, and where the passenger car does not meet Standard No. 208's occupant injury criteria using the manual seat belt only. You asked who would be "responsible" for the deaths.
I note that liability issues are a matter of State law rather than Federal law. We therefore cannot provide an opinion concerning this question.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Edward Glancy of my staff at (202) 366-2992.
Sincerely,
John Womack
Acting Chief Counsel
ref:208
d.6/16/97