PANEL WILL FOCUS ON CURRENT AND EMERGING SAFETY TECHNOLOGY

Washington, Jun 22, 2005 - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is charged with reducing fatalities and injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes on the nation's roads," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Chairman of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee. "This is a massive responsibility given that there were 235 million vehicles in our nation last year that covered almost three trillion miles."

The hearing on reauthorizing NHTSA also will examine safety technology such as state-of-the-art passive safety technology (airbags and structural protection), as well as "accident avoidance" technology that helps prevent crashes. "According to NHTSA statistics, electronic stability control was associated with a 30% reduction in single vehicle crash fatalities for passenger cars and 63% for SUVs," added Stearns.

Testifying at the hearing are NHTSA Administrator Dr. Jeffrey Runge, and Janette Fennell, founder of the advocacy group Kids and Cars. The hearing will be held Thursday, June 23, 2005, at 9:30 am in room 2123 RHOB.