Statement of Secretary Slater Concerning Trunk Entrapment Expert Panel Recommendations

Topics:  Rodney E. Slater

U.S. Department of Transportation
June 8, 1999

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, June 8, 1999
Contact: Bill Adams
Tel.: (202) 366-5580
DOT 83-99

On behalf of the entire department, let me extend our congratulations to Heather Paul of the National Safe Kids Campaign and the entire expert panel on trunk entrapment for their work and their recommendations.

This independent panel drew together knowledgeable and concerned people from a variety of fields -- safety advocates, the medical community, law enforcement, insurers, car companies, and others. These people shared their knowledge to enhance trunk safety. Car makers have voluntarily added trunk safety features in their cars, and safety groups mention trunk safety in their safety materials.

The Department holds safety–especially the safety of young children–as its highest priority.

We will continue to vigilantly work to protect our nation’s children and will review and analyze the expert panel's recommendations and take appropriate actions to further enhance the safety of our littlest travelers. Again, I commend the group for its hard work.