Remarks by Secretary Slater on the New Head Protection Rule

Rodney E. Slater, United States Secretary of Transportation
July 30, 1998

REMARKS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY
SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION RODNEY E. SLATER
NEW HEAD PROTECTION RULE PRESS CONFERENCE
JULY 30, 1998
WASHINGTON, D.C.

This morning’s announcement is an excellent example of how the Department of Transportation is applying a common-sense approach to achieve its number one priority, safety. It is not only a win for industry and government, but a big win for the American people. Today’s head injury rule amendment will go far to reduce the number of people dying from severe head injury on our highways.

Transportation is about more than concrete, asphalt and steel. It is about people and designing safe vehicles for them to travel to work, to school, and to play.

DOT ‘s action is a direct result of President Clinton’s commitment to safety, his highest transportation priority, and to responsiveness in government.

Three years ago when we announced the new head injury rule, little did we realize it would inspire such an acceleration of innovative technology. And in the spirit of continuous improvement, automobile manufacturers voluntarily raised the standard.

You came to us and said, ‘we can make it even better.’ We responded by revising the rule and today’s amendment enables new car manufacturers to bring lifesaving technology quickly to motorists -- saving lives and preventing injuries. This new "Head Protection System" provides even greater protection from head injury in the unfortunate event of a side-impact crash.

Working together, we are elevating the level of performance. We are giving our customers -- the American people -- what they want, what they have been asking for -- the highest level of safety protection available.

America must have a transportation system that is international in reach, intermodal in form, inclusive in service and intelligent in character. And here is where you, the manufacturers, fit. Using the latest science and technology available, you are designing even safer vehicles for America’s highways.

Dr. Martinez, Mr. Krause and the new car manufacturers here today, I applaud your outstanding efforts. This new way of doing business, working in partnership, is about good government and about putting people first.

Thank you very much.

# # #

Source:  U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)