FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
CONTACT: Lindsay Jackson |
AUGUST 17, 2006 |
(202) 225-5206 |
BASS HELPS ANNOUNCE VITAL NEW AUTOMOBILE SAFETY STANDARD 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 “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 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 # # # |