U.S. DOT/NHTSA - Request for Comments

Document ID: NHTSA-1999-5891-0001
Document Type: Rule
Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Topics: No Topics associated with this document
CFR Citation: 49 CFR Part 571
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Details Information

Abstract:	The agency is issuing this document to obtain information that will help NHTSA determine whether Safety Standard No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems," should be amended in response to a petition for rulemaking from Kathleen Weber of Ann Arbor, Michigan. The petition concerns the availability of child booster seats for older children (ages about 4 and older) that can be used in older cars whose rear seats are equipped with only lap belts instead of both lap and shoulder belts. To make it easier for child restraint manufacturers to produce child restraints for for these children, the petition asks that Standard 213 be amended such that compliance tests of booster seats may be conducted with a top tether attached. In the past, many drivers did not attach tethers when they used tether-equipped child restraints in vehicles that lack user-ready tether anchorages. Given that the vehicles in question lack user-ready tether anchorages, the agency seeks comments on the extent to which vehicle drivers would attach the booster seat's top tether. The agency also seeks comments on the extent to which currently available vests, harnesses, and other restraint systems (e.g., shoulder belt retrofits) address the problem raised by the petitioner. Comments are requested on the feasibility of redesigning boosters such that the restraints can meet Standard 213's requirements when attached to the vehicle with only a lap belt, and without the use of a tether. Dates: You should submit your comments early enough to ensure that Docket Management receives them not later than September 7, 1999.
Document Subtype:	Federal Register Publication
Received Date:	July 07 1999, at 12:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Page Count:	8
Comment Due Date:	September 7 1999, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time