Former NHTSA Chief Calls for New Side Impact Rules

Former NHTSA Chief Calls for New Side Impact Rules

Former NHTSA Chief Jeffrey Runge is calling on the federal government to complete unfinished proposals to improve vehicle safety. Runge left NHTSA in July 2005 to become chief medical officer at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In an interview with The Detroit News, Runge urged NHTSA to complete a long-delayed rule to improve vehicle roof strength, and to finalize side impact standards that could save 1,000 lives annually.

Automakers have agreed to voluntarily install side air bags in all vehicles by Sept. 1, 2009. But NHTSA is considering a proposal that would require automakers to significantly upgrade their side protection systems.NHTSA issued its proposed side-impact rule in May, 2004, butthey are not expected to issue a final rule until next year.

NHTSA spokesman Rae Tyson said the side-impact rulemaking is very complex. “It’s a work in progress. It certainly represents the last major crash-worthiness regulation that’s in the works,” Tyson said.