Interpretation ID: aiam0990
Secretary of Transportation
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg
PA 17120;
Dear Mr. Kassab: This is in reply to your letter of December 27, 1972, concerning th absence from Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 of requirements for seat belts after the passive restraint requirements become effective.; Our aim in the last three years has been to improve the protectiv capabilities of the automobile so that it will automatically protect its occupants from serious injury and death. We do not intend in the least to disparage seat belts--to the contrary, we are making every effort to encourage their use. However, as passive restraints are installed, the marginal benefits to be gained from belts do not appear to be great enough to justify keeping them as required equipment.; The impacts that particularly concern you-- those occurring between 9 degrees and 270 degrees--are partially covered by the lateral impact test of Standard 208. Impacts in which the force is more nearly rearward are the subject of continuing investigation by our Research Institute, with a view toward possible improvements in the rear-end structure. If standards are proposed concerning rear impact protection, they will probably focus on improved seat structure or on rear-end modifications rather than on seat belts.; We think the course we are following will result in significantl increased protection for the motoring public.; Sincerely, Douglas W. Toms, Administrator