Interpretation ID: nht72-4.3

DATE: 09/20/72

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Lawrence R. Schneider; NHTSA

TO: Docket 69-7

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: SUBJECT: Interpretation of Dummy Placement for Crash Test Requirements of S4.1.2.3.1(d) and (e).

A Ford Motor Company representative has informally noted that Docket 69-7, Notice 16, published February 24, 1972, does not clearly indicate whether, in S4.1.2.3.1(d) and (e), three dummies are simultaneously placed in all front seating positions for a single crash test, or whether two separate crashes are conducted, with two dummies in the outboard front seats for a S4.1.2.3.1(d) crash and a single dummy in the center front seat for a S4.1.2.3.1(e) crash.

Although a manufacturer may choose, for reasons of convenience, to conduct a combined crash test or individual crash tests for S4.1.2.3.1(d) and (e), the test intended by S4.1.2.3.1 is a combined test and the NHTSA will therefore conduct its compliance tests with dummies simultaneously placed in all front seating positions.