Interpretation ID: nht88-2.17

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: MAY 5, 1988

FROM: I. ROBERT EHRLICH -- ENGINEER

TO: RICHARD STROMBOTNE -- NHTSA OFFICE OF SAFETY STANDARDS

ATTACHMT: ATTACHED TO MEMO DATED 12-19-88, TO I. ROBERT EHRLICH, FROM ERIKA Z. JONES -- NHTSA, REDBOOK A33, PART 571.3, PART 567

TEXT: Would you please send me a copy of NHTSA Docket 88-06, Notice 1 and Docket 88-07, Notice 1 proposing to strengthen the side impact crash test procedures and performance requirement for passenger cars, as indicated in the attached clipping from Automotive Engineering, APRIL 1988.

What I am particularly interested in is whether or not the proposed new standards will include stretch limousines, which are frequently covered by light sheet steel to fill in the gap created by lengthening a conventional passenger car. This leaves a wide, unprotected gap in the center.

Side Impact Protection -- The January 27, 1988, Federal Register contained NHTSA Docket 88-06, Notice 1 (page 2239), and Docket 88-07, Notice 1 (page 2254), proposing to strengthen the side impact crash test procedures and performance requirements for pa ssenger cars, and specifying a new side impact test dummy. The amendments would require a test procedure to simulate a severe side crash, a barrier to represent a striking vehicle, a test dummy specially designed for side impacts, and maximum injury crit eria for the dummy. Ten percent of a manufacturer's production would be required to meet the standard during the first year, which would begin two years after publication of the final rule. The percentage would increase to 25% the next year, 40% the thi rd year and 100% thereafter. Comments on both Notices are due October 24, 1988. For further information contact Dr. Richard Strombotne, NHTSA Office of Vehicle Safety Standards (202) 366-4916.