NHTSA Statement on Older Child Passenger Protection
19 March 1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NHTSA 10-99 March 15, 1999
Statement by U.S. Transportation Secretary Slater
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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