Interpretation ID: nht87-1.26

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: 01/28/87

FROM: GLENN M. MAKI -- COUNTY OF BARAGA BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS L'ANSE, MICHIGAN

TO: WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

TITLE: NONE

ATTACHMT: ATTACHED TO LETTER FROM STEPHEN P. WOOD -- NHTSA TO THOMAS C. GRAVENGOOD, DATED 5/16/89, REDBOOK A33; STANDARD 108; LETTER DATED 4/3/89 FROM THOMAS C. GRAVENGOOD OF AGAPE PLASTICS TO NHTSA CHIEF COUNSEL ON FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE STANDARD NO 108 -- HEATED SAFETY LIGHTS FOR VEHICLES DRIVEN IN WINTER WEATHER; LETTER FROM KENNETH R. HAMMERBERG, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS TO TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, UNDATED; LETTER DATED 4/2/87 FROM PRINCIPAL ARVON TOWNSHIP SCHOOL TO TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN; LETTER DAT ED 3/2/88 FROM RONALD R. MITCHELL SUPERINTENDANT, MORAN TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS TO VAN STRATEN HEATED TAIL LIGHT LENS CO; BROCHURE, UNDATED, OF VAN STRATEN COMPANY ON HEATED SAFETY LIGHT

TEXT: Throughout the years the road commissions have had a safety problem associated with their snow removal and ice control equipment. This same problem exists, to some degree, with all vehicles traveling the roads during the winter season. When the vehicles are plowing snow the problem is compounded due to the snow being caught-up in the wind turbulence caused by the vehicle and attached equipment.

The problem is -- snow and ice build-up on the warning, directional and flood lights at the rear of the vehicle. This obscures the lights, sometimes totally, making it difficult for any vehicles following behind to see the vehicle ahead or see the st op or turn signals when they are used.

This hazard could be reduced or eliminated if the lights could be kept free of snow and ice build-up. George VanStraten of Baraga, Michigan has developed a "Heated Lens" which has worked very well for us. We installed these "Heated Lenses" on two of our sander trucks and the lights have remained snow free and clear when the surrounding area was covered with a thick layer of snow. The tail-lights and directional lites remain clear and highly visible. We feel this improves safety significantly and should result in reducing rear-end collisions. We have also installed a "Heated Lens" on the rear flood-lite on our sander truck. This also stays snow-free and helps the operator see if the material is being discharged from the sander.

In my opinion the "Heated Lens" has a very broad potential application on all types of vehicles operating in the snow belt and in my opinion should be required by law on all trucks and other equipment traveling on the highways. Perhaps automobiles sho uld be included as well. The Baraga County Road Commission plans to install them first on all sander trucks and next on all snow plow trucks.

How many times have you heard the expression "I didn't see his signal". We feel in many cases the "Heated Lens" would prevent a serious accident. I would urge others to try these "Heated Lens" and let the results speak for themselves.

Sincerely yours,