Interpretation ID: nht81-3.21
DATE: 09/30/81
FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; F. Berndt; NHTSA
TO: Flag-It Signaling Device Co.
TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION
TEXT: The National Transportation Safety Board had forward for reply your letter of June 10, 1981, asking whether the "Flag-It Automobile Signaling Device" would be legal to use according to your new regulations . . . ."
Requirements for equipment use are not established by the Federal government but by the individual State in which a vehicle is registered.
Our agency within the Department of Transportation establishes the Federal motor vehicle safety standards which apply to vehicle and equipment manufacturers. Your device consists of reflectors which hang beneath the front and rear bumper. They are not covered by our standard on reflectors (Standard No. 108 Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment) nor would their installation appear to impair the effectiveness of lighting equipment required by Standard No. 108, which could raise a question as to their legality.
SINCERELY,
FLAG-IT SIGNALING DEVICE CO.
JUNE 10, 1981
James King National Transporation Safety Board
Dear Mr. King:
I was interested in knowing if the Flag-it Automobile Signaling Device would be legal to use according to your new regulations that is perhaps now headed by the Regan Administration.
I have here in enclosed a copy of the letter I received sometime ago from the National Transporation Safety Board where as it was stated that the Flag-it device could be voluntarily installed on the rear of motor vehicles as are reflecting devices to promote visual awarness.
I have here in enclosed a sample Flag-it Safety Device, a copy of the United States Patent, also other material pertaining to this development.
Charles Schamblin
January 6, 1978
Charles Schamblin Flag-It Fluorescent Signaling Device Co.
Dear Mr. Schamblin:
Thank you for your recent letter which provided us the opportunity to examine your patented flourescent signaling device.
While the staff of the National Transportation Safety Board will certainly endorse any means which may prevent accidents by increasing the conspicuity of moving vehicles, we are not in the position to evaluate the potential benefits of any particular device. As you probably know, our primary function is accident investigation. We have no regulatory authority or research capability.
As indicated by others in previous correspondence, we find no reason why your Flag-It signal could not be voluntarily installed on the rear end of motor vehicles as are other reflecting devices to promote visual awareness. We believe, however, that present regulations regarding such installations are adequate.
Your device appears to be developed to the extent that it can be marketed in automotive accessory shops, but beyond that we can offer no further suggestions.
We are returning your sample and once again we wish to thank you for the interest which you have shown in the promotion of motor vehicle safety.
William G. Laynor, Jr. Chief, Vehicle Factors Division -- NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD
STOPPING DISTANCE: From eye to brain to foot to wheel to road
BRAKING DISTANCE
(ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED)
Following the vehicle ahead too closely and making unsafe lane changes -- two of the leading contributing causes of accidents on freeways -- also were two of the most common violations for which freeway motorists were cited in 1971, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The Patrol reports it issued 100,016 citations for following too closely (tailgating) and 66,617 for unsafe lane changes.
Following too closely is covered by Section 21703 of the California Vehicle Code. It states: "The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the roadway."
According to the National Safety council, 3,282,800 accidents, or 13.2 percent of all urban accidents in the United States in 1971, were reported to have been caused by following too closely behind another vehicle.
A general rule-of-thumb is to keep at least one vehicle length (about 20 feet) behind the vehicle ahead for each 10 miles per hour you are traveling. Thus, if you are moving at 60 mph, you should stay at least six vehicle lengths (about 120 feet) behind the other vehicle. You should stay even farther behind, of course, when highways are wet or icy. In this way, if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly, you will have a much better chance of avoiding a rear-end collision.
Unsafe lane changes can get you in trouble, too. Offenses in this category include straddling the line be-two lanes and moving from one lane to another when it is unsafe to do so. Such maneuvers can cause sideswiping accidents, and cause other motorists to take evasive action which may result in collisions.
These violations are covered by Section 21658 of the Vehicle Code, which provides that: "(a) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety." This applies where the road has two or more marked lanes for traffic in one direction.
If you have any comments on the Flag-It Safety Device I would appreciate hearing from you.
Sincerely, Charles Schamblin
NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD
Date June 23, 1981
Dear Mr. Schamblin:
We have received your correspondence concerning the Flag-It Signaling Device dated June 10, 1981, and June 17, 1981.
The National Transportation Safety Board, however, does not have jurisdiction over or information about this matter. Your correspondence has therefore been referred to the agency shown below for such action as may be necessary:
Mr. George Parker Nat'l Hwy. Traffic Sfty. Admin. 400-7th St., S.W. Wash., D.C. 20590
National Transportation Safety Board
Mr. George Parker National Hwy Traffic Sfty. Admin.
Dear Mr. Parker:
I have here in enclosed a sample of the Flag-It Signaling Device from this model it can be seen from both sides adding additional safety for vehicles. SINCERELY,
Charles Schamblin
FLAG-IT SIGNALING DEVICE CO.
JUNE 17, 1981
James King National Transportation Safety Board
Dear Mr. King:
I forward to you about a week ago a sample of the Flag-it Safety Device. Since that time I was also interested in knowing of approval can be obtained for the manufactures Flag-it Safety I have here in enclosed the sample for approval.
It is my understanding that white reflectors meets specifications for bicycles that is approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
If it were possible to have the approval of the National Transportation Safety Board for the Flag-it Safety Device I have here in enclosed I personally believe it would be very effective in the prevention of automobiles.
Thanks for your interest in automobile safety.
Charles Schamblin
[45] Feb. 12, 1974
[54] SIGNALING DEVICE
[76] Inventor: Charles H. Schamblin, 1714 South M St. Bakersfield, Calif. 93302
x[22] Filed: Feb. 26, 1973
[21] Appl. No.: 335,658
[52] U.S. Cl. 116/28 R. 40/129 C. 280/154.5 R
Patent Omitted.