Interpretation ID: nht91-1.39

DATE: February 12, 1991

FROM: Richard F. Land -- Director of Licensure, State of Tennessee, Bureau Of Manpower and Facilities, Division of Emergency Medical Services

TO: Deidre Fujita -- Office of the Chief Counsel, NHTSA

TITLE: None

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 4-15-91 from Paul Jackson Rice to Richard F. Land (A37; Std. 124; VSA 108(a)(2)(A))

TEXT:

The NHTSA office of Enforcement has referred me to your office in a matter regarding the application of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to ambulance design and maintenance.

Upon recent inspection of a fleet of ambulances operated by a private provider near Chattanooga, Tennessee, our inspectors discovered that wooden blocks had been mounted beneath the accelerator pedals as a makeshift speed governor.

While such action seems to violate common sense, in that there are times when acceleration is critical, such as merging with interstate highway traffic, we find Tennessee list no Statutory offense that our office or highway patrol may cite.

We would appreciate any guidance or assistance with enforcement that may be appropriate to this matter.

Should you wish to discuss the situation or acquire further information, please call me at the Division of Emergency Medical Services, 615-367-6278.

Thank you for your consideration and assistance.