Interpretation ID: nht88-3.34

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: 09/07/88

FROM: LEONARD M. PERKINS -- L AND M COMPANY

TO: ROBERT BURNLEY -- SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

TITLE: NONE

ATTACHMT: ATTACHED TO LETTER DATED 02/06/89 EST, FROM ERIKA Z. JONES -- NHTSA TO LEONARD M. PERKINS, REDBOOK A33, STANDARD 108

TEXT: Dear Sir:

We have an automobile safety device worthy of your consideration.

According to a recent survey we read, the rear window brakelight has reduced rear end collisions by about 25% nationwide. We have travelled bumper to bumper freeway traffic for many years and found directional signals on most new cars very difficult to see, due to our line of vision being concentrated on the cars in front, on each side and the closeness of all cars at speeds of 50-60 miles per hour. Also, the placement of these signals now are where the car design people think they blend in best, m ainly in the bumper area.

Our design patent has moved these signals up where they can be seen readily as the rear window brake light (see enclosed copies of patent application). Our suggestion for color of these directional side lights would be yellow, an eye catching color f or split second sightings. We feel that the turn signals joined with the rear window brake light should have a dramatic effect on rear and side collisions.

Having spent much time driving Los Angeles and Phoenix freeways, we feel this would not only cut down accidents, but save millions of dollars in property damage each year.

We have been told by informed sources that this conception is at present illegal. Your comments and help would be greatly appreciated.

Yours truly,

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