Interpretation ID: nht90-1.2

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: 01/01/90 EST

FROM: DAVID R. MARTIN

TO: NHTSA OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

TITLE: NONE

ATTACHMT: ATTACHED TO LETTER DATED 05/17/90 FROM STEPHEN D. WOOD -- NHTSA TO DAVID R. MARTIN; REDBOOK A35; STANDARD 301; STANDARD 217

TEXT: I have which to me, is a very urgent and important question. To preface my question, I'd like to tell you that I was in the Navy in the early 1940's and was aboard a ship that exploded, and burned fiercely when strucks by a tarpedo.

Unfortunately, at the present time, I'm in the custody of the Florida Department of Corrections, the reason for which I do not believe is pertenant to my question.

The Department of Corrections operates a huge fleet of vans. The inmates of the system, when transported in these vans, rear handcuffs, waist-chains, and leg-irons. The vans themselves have steel mesh welded to all the windows, and a steel mesh part ition between the passenger compartment and the driver area. The vans are also padlocked from the outside, when in transit.

Having had first hand experience with a fuel (Illegible Word) fire, I am wondering how could the compliance by the department of Corrections with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 301 be ascertained? Is thero any way that your department can verify compliance?

I would appreciate your checking this out for me, and advising me as to your findings. (Illegible Lines)