HEARING FOCUSED ON SAFETY TECHNOLOGY

Washington, Jun 23, 2005 - "As we look at reauthorizing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), although I believe that the Senate reauthorization provisions in the highway bill provides adequate support and guidance for NHTSA, I also see a need to be certain that the provisions negotiated with the House provide flexibility allowing the data to drive the need for mandated rules," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Chairman of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee.

Dr. Jeffrey Runge, the NHTSA Administrator, outlined his agency's priorities, "increasing safety belt use, reducing impaired driving, addressing vehicle crash incompatibility, reducing rollovers, and enhancing our data systems." Dr. Runge also testified about NHTSA's future priorities, "enhanced side crash protection, preventing occupant ejection in rollovers, electronic stability control systems, and upgrading our standards relating to roof crush and door locks."

Brian O'Neill with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety endorsed flexibility in the NHTSA rulemaking process. O'Neill testified, "I believe detailed Congressional dictates for new rulemaking are not needed at this time. The goal should be to facilitate safety outcomes rather than tell NHTSA how to achieve those outcomes."

In looking at safety issues, the panel discussed safety technologies, such as electronic stability control (ESC) systems. Janette Fennel, Founder and President of Kids and Cars, testified, "ESC systems have had clear success in reducing crashed in a number of large studies in the U.S. and Europe." Explained Stearns, "ESC typically works with a vehicle's anti-lock braking system to maintain control in extreme maneuvers that can cause a vehicle to leave the roadway, become 'tripped' when it turns sideways, and roll over. NHTSA is developing a performance standard that would promote deployment of ESC technology, and several automakers have already voluntarily committed to broad ESC deployment."

"Advances in technology are best promoted through performance-based standards that allow consumers and the market to assist in establishing safety advances as the standard, not the option," concluded Stearns. "NHTSA's extremely important work is a data driven business, not a political one. Sound science, quality data, and objective cost/benefit analysis should be the major factors used to establish priorities for advancing vehicle safety."