Interpretation ID: nht92-4.9

FROM: Dave Durenberger -- United States Senator

TO: Office of the Chief Council -- NHTSA

TITLE: None

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 10/15/92 from Paul Jackson Rice to Dave Durenberger (A40; Std. 208)

TEXT:

Attached is a letter from one of my constituents concerning a matter in which I believe you can be of assistance. In order to respond to Mark Gassert, I would like to have available an interpretation and explanation of any federal standards that would regulate the One-Hand Driving System offered by General Motors.

In responding to me, please return the attached correspondence along with your reply in duplicate to the attention of my assistant, Christina Pierson, at 1020 Plymouth Building, 12 S. 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402.

Thank you for your cooperation and assistance.

Attachment

August 20, 1992 116 Douglas Avenue PO Box E Moose Lake, MN 55767

David Durenberger U.S. Senator 1020 Plymouth Building 12 S. 6th Street Minneapolis, MN 55402

Dear Mr. Durenberger:

I have no use of my legs or left arm, and I use special hand controls to operate my vehicle. When I purchased my vehicle, a 1985 Chevy van, I also purchased a Drivemaster One-Arm-Drive hand control system. I completed drivers training, and passed my drivers license exam, with this vehicle.

Recently, I have been thinking about replacing the vehicle. Like most Minnesotan's, I find that winter driving takes it's toll. I want to replace my vehicle with a new van.

Even though my hand controls can be placed in a new vehicle; I was told that it was impossible to put my hand controls in a new vehicle, because of 1992 federal safety standards.

I would like to know what these safety regulations say, why they exist, why they effect me, and who proposed them.

Thank you for the attention you have given my problem. If you need to reach me, I can be reached by mail or leave message with Mrs. Gassert at (218) 485-4085.

Sincerely,

Mark Gassert