Interpretation ID: nht93-9.8

DATE: December 9, 1993

FROM: Harris W. Fawell -- U.S. House of Representatives

TO: Howard Smolkin -- Acting Administrator, NHTSA

TITLE: Re: Matthew Gerrity; 7624 Rohrer Drive, Downers Grove, IL 60516

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 12/30/93 from John Womack (signed by Kenneth N. Weinstein) to Matt Gerrity (A42; Redbook (2); Std. 208; VSA 108(a)(2)(A))

TEXT:

During April of this year, a member of my district office staff spoke with John Wolmack in your office regarding Mr. Gerrity's problem with a new Cadillac he had purchased. Because of a physical handicap, the steering wheel of Mr. Gerrity's car must be modified with a device which permits him to operate it. As he explains it, the device would prohibit the normal function of the air bag and would cause him injury in the event of an accident. Mr. Wolmack said that requests to authorize the waiver of federal air bag regulations are considered on a case-by-case basis, and suggested that Mr. Gerrity should write to you, explaining the circumstances, and the need for such a waiver.

We are writing to you now because Mr. had advised us that he had written a letter to you, and had not received a response. When we called Mr. Wolmack about this, he told us that your records showed that no letter had been received. We then asked Mr. Gerrity for a copy of his letter, which we now present to you. We note that the letter is undated and that your address is not complete, which may explain why you cannot locate the original.

I would appreciate your responding to Mr. Gerrity on the basis of this copy. If this is not possible, please advise us on what we need to do in order for you to consider his request that he be authorized to disconnect the air bag.

All of this is a little convoluted, I know. Thanks for your patience and whatever help you can give us to help Mr. Gerrity with his problem.

- - -

The following is the letter from Matt Gerrity to Howard Smolkin:

Matt Gerrity 7624 Rohrer Drive Downers Grove, IL 60516 (708) 964-7201

Howard Smolkin National Highway Safety Administration 400 7th Street S.W. Washington, D.C. 20598

Dear Mr. Smoklin,

I am a handicapped motorist. In order to steer my car, I have a metal bar that goes across the steering-wheel with a type of spinner-know at the end. I recently purchased a 1990 Coup De Vile with a drivers side air-bag. In the

event, the air-bag should go off, the steering device would probably pop off causing serious injury. I have gone to dealers and other mechanics who see the obvious problem but are reluctant to disconnect the air-bag because of Federal Law. I would have the air-bag connected again upon sale of this car. Please tell me what measures I should take.

Sincerely,

Matt Gerrity