Interpretation ID: 77-3.38

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: 07/29/77

FROM: WILLIAM B. STOVER

TO: BRIAN YOUNG -- OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN DORNAN

TITLE: NONE

ATTACHMT: ATTACHED TO LETTER DATED 9/23/77 (EST) FROM ROBERT L. CARTER -- NHTSA MOTOR VEHICLE PROGRAMS TO ROBERT K. DORNAN -- MEMBER U.S. CONGRESS; LETTER DATED 3/4/71 FROM MR. FERGUSON -- NHTSA MOTOR VEHICLE PROGRAMS TO EISUKE NIGUMA OF TOYOKOKYO COMPANY, LTD.

TEXT: Dear Sir:

We have been unable to get a third seat belt installed in the back seat of our 1972 Datsun Model 1200 automobile. The denials to accept the work have been based on claims of prohibition by federal law. The seat cover and top shops that used to do seat belt work before the new safety laws no longer do so as far as I have been informed.

The occupancy limit of this model has been repeatedly stated as the reason. A sticker in the glove compartment states that the occupancy of the car is limited to four adults of 200 pounds each plus a specified amount of luggage. This equates to 400 pounds of people in the back seat. Two 200 pound people in the back seat would be a tight fit, especially with the room taken by the bulky seat belt retractors. Three people totaling this 400 pound limit would not fit.

When my wife and I purchased the car, we had two small daughters. During September, 1975, we had a third daughter. Soon after her birth, we tried to get the extra seat belt installed to anchor a car seat for her in the middle of the back seat, i.e., over the bump. We were unsuccessful then and have been unsuccessful at periodic attempts to do so since then. I called Congressman Dornan's local office and discussed the problem with you after the latest attempt; a run-around involving phone calls to over ten automotive businesses.

The weight/occupancy limit is especially frustrating as the total weight of the five members of our family is significantly under 400 pounds. The fact that I was a strong advocate of wearing seat belts long before they were required also makes this conflict with the seat belt laws very frustrating.

We appreciate your efforts in our behalf.

Thank you,