Contact: Barbara Riley
Thursday, August 17, 2006

Washington, DC – “Nearly every other day, a child dies in a non-traffic vehicle accident, backed over by a driver who couldn’t see behind their vehicle, strangled in a power window or killed when an automobile inadvertently shifts into gear. Today’s announcement is an important step toward preventing tragic deaths that we know are preventable with existing technology at relatively low cost. We have introduced legislation to make brake locks mandatory in all new cars and we are pleased that automakers agree action is needed. However, there is more we need to do to make vehicles safer for kids and we will continue to press for enactment of our legislation, the Cameron Gulbransen Kids and Cars Safety Act.

“Every vehicle without backover prevention technology has a blind zone behind it, some as large as 51 feet long according to testing by Consumer Reports. Our bill would require all new cars to have a rearward visibility standard that will help alert drivers to the presence of a child behind a vehicle. In addition, our legislation would require that power windows reverse direction when they detect an obstruction to prevent children from being trapped, injured or killed by vehicle power windows. Our bill would also require that data on non-traffic vehicle accidents be collected and would help raise awareness among parents of these dangers through a child safety information program.

“It is critical that we prevent these tragedies from happening to other families. By taking simple, cost effective, common sense steps we can have safer cars and safer kids across America.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: LINDSAY JACKSON
   

August 17, 2006                                             202-225-5206       

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Charles Bass (NH-02), joined by automobile safety advocate and New Hampshire State Representative Packy Campbell (R, Straf. 3), National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator Nicole Nason and automobile industry representatives, announced new voluntary standards for automobile Brake Shift Interlock (BSI) to prevent unnecessary tragedies. The new safety standard will help reduce the incidence of accidents resulting from the rollaway of parked vehicles with automatic transmissions, such as when children move the shift mechanism out of the "Park" position. It will also provide for the public disclosure of which vehicles are already in compliance, allowing consumers to become educated about their purchase.

"I am pleased that I was able to help Packy Campbell advocate for such important consumer safety provisions and that all parties were able to come together to adapt these common sense changes in a timely fashion. The new standard will help eliminate the risk of tragedy related to rollaway accidents," stated Congressman Bass. "I believe this vital initiative is a positive step forward in ensuring that children are safe around cars. Packy should be commended for his efforts."

"Preventing non-traffic vehicle accidents is a critical public safety matter, and with some modest, cost-effective steps, others need not suffer the loss of a child," said Senator John Sununu, who has also worked to help facilitate a new BSI standard.  "Packy Campbell has shown that one citizen can make a difference in this mission. I will continue to work with him and all who are committed to protecting our children."

The new standard was made possible due to cooperation between the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers.

"This voluntary agreement is good news for consumers, good news for parents concerned about safety, and shows that with the right leadership, change for the better can be brought about in a way that benefits all," said Nicole R. Nason, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"Automakers are installing brake transmission system interlocks to help protect children, as well as people outside the vehicle who might be hurt if a child moved a vehicle out of 'Park,'" said Fred Webber, President & CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.  "Children and car keys should always be separated, but brake interlocks are an extra measure of protection for everyone."

"I am truly thankful for this agreement, amazing results like this can happen when government agencies, private industry and elected officials work together in an honest effort to solve problems and improve society," concluded Rep. Packy Campbell, who lost a child in a rollaway tragedy. "We in New Hampshire are blessed to have fine leadership in Congressmen Bass and Senator Sununu and I look forward to continuing to work with them to promote the solid, result oriented leadership exemplified in this agreement. This agreement will not bring Ian back, but it does help console our family knowing that it won't happen to someone else. In this agreement, all manufacturers agreed to design a safety feature to make sure young children imitating adult behavior would not result in a tragic accident, and I am truly thankful for that."