Huge Increase in Rollover Deaths Spike Traffic Death Toll to Highest Since 1990
But Technology is Available to Prevent Rollovers Who: William Kozyra, President/CEO of Continental Teves Automotive safety equipment supplier The Honorable Richard Burr, Vice Chairman, House Energy and Commerce Committee Harry Teter, Executive Director, American Trauma Society Judy Appleby, a Chattanooga, TN mother whose son was killed in a rollover crash What: News conference and launch of a national road tour to educate consumers about how they can prevent rollover crashes, injuries and deaths. When: Wednesday, July 23. 11 a.m. news conference followed by the monthly lunch meeting of Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA) Where: Capitol Mall. 3rd St. between Jefferson and Madison Drives (look for large tent and tractor-trailer exhibit) Why: Traffic deaths in 2002 reached the highest level since 1990, and fatalities in rollover crashes accounted for 82 percent of the increase in 2002, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There has been a steady drumbeat of warnings about the dangers of rollovers, especially in SUVs. * But available safety equipment that is widely used in Europe and elsewhere that could prevent more than 5,000 rollover deaths every year is still unknown to most Americans. * The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended last month that the NHTSA expand and expedite its current evaluation of electronic stability control and consider whether to require it in all passenger vehicles. * Continental, a major automotive supplier of electronic stability control and other safety equipment, is launching a national educational road tour to promote consumer awareness about preventing rollover crashes, injuries and deaths. More information is available at www.conti-online.com or www.contitevesna.com Note: This will not be a commercial event. Continental Teves is encouraging electronic stability control generically, the same as air bags were promoted a decade ago. The safety equipment is manufactured by several suppliers and marketed under many brand names.PRNewswire -- July 22