Interpretation ID: 77-2.32

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: 05/11/77

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; S. P. Wood for F. Berndt; NHTSA

TO: Wayne Corporation

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This responds to your April 1, 1977, letter asking whether the head protection zone requirements of Standard No. 222, School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection, extend to contactable surfaces 30 inches forward of the seating reference point of the front passenger seat behind the driver.

The head protection zone requirements are outlined in S5.3.1.1 of the standard. This section requires that the zone extend 30 inches forward of the seating reference point. The fact that the requirement may extend the head protection zone into the driver occupant space and thus involve contactable surfaces does not diminish the applicability of the requirements to contactable surfaces within that space. Contactable surfaces within that 30-inch zone, as shown on your sketch, must meet the requriements of the standard.

Sincerely,

ATTACH.

Wayne Corporation

April 1, 1977

Frank R. Berndt -- Office of Chief Counsel, NHTSA

Dear Mr. Berndt:

This inquiry is in reference to FMVSS 222, School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection.

Apart from the 3.00 dimension, do the requirements of sections S5.3.1.2 and S5.3.1.3 apply to surfaces located in "Zone A" shown on the enclosed sketch?

Your prompt attention to this matter and an early reply will be appreciated.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Kurre -- Director of Engineering

Enclosure

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