Statement by U.S. Transportation Secretary Slater On Safety Recommendations of Blue Ribbon Panel II For Protecting Older Child Passengers in Motor Vehicles

Statement by U.S. Transportation Secretary Slater On Safety Recommendations of Blue Ribbon Panel II For Protecting Older Child Passengers in Motor Vehicles

Topics: Rodney E. Slater

Statement by U.S. Transportation Secretary Slater On Safety Recommendations of Blue Ribbon Panel II For Protecting Older Child Passengers in Motor Vehicles

NHTSA
March 15, 1999

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement by U.S. NHTSA 10-99
March 15, 1999
Contact: Tim Hurd
Tel. No. (202) 366-9550

I commend the Blue Ribbon Panel II for its swift action on behalf of the American people to enhance passenger safety for 4- to 16-year-old children riding in cars and trucks. We've made significant progress in improving protection for the youngest passengers in motor vehicles, but the fatality rate for these older children remains unacceptably high, with traffic crashes the leading cause of death to American children of every age from 5 to 15 years old.

The department will review the panel's recommendations and follow up accordingly. I particularly commend the panel for its vision and vigilance as we work to ensure the safety of our communities, making good on President Clinton's promise to put people first in the new millennium.

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