1. Chapter 3: Who Makes the Rules? Understanding the Government’s Role in Vehicle and Child Seat Safety

2. 3-2National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010) Chapter Objectives Describe the relationship between NHTSA and vehicle and CR manufacturers Identify non-regulated products

3. 3-3National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010) What is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration? NHTSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation focused on occupant safety Responsible for setting and enforcing safety standards for motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment (for example, CRs)

4. 3-4National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010) Functions of NHTSA Education Enforcement (two kinds) Research Regulations Compliance testing Defect investigation

5. 3-5National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010) Consumer Information – Reporting Defects Parent/caregiver reports the problem Where to report it: ▪Manufacturers ▪www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/ recalls ▪DOT Auto Safety Hotline 1-888-DASH-2-DOT

6. 3-6National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010) Federal Standards – Knowing the Rules FMVSS 208Seat belts and air bags FMVSS 213CRs (including LATCH) FMVSS 225Vehicle anchorage systems (LATCH)

7. 3-7National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010) Crash Tests Frontal crash at 30 mph with CR on bench seat Use of age/weight-specific crash test dummies Lab setting is not “real world”

8. 3-8National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010) Non-Regulated Products No Federal regulations Assessment of the product Examples: ▪Belt-tightening tool ▪Seat belt adjusters ▪Toys attached to CR ▪Suction window shades ▪Rear-facing mirrors

9. 3-9National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010) Consumer Information – NHTSA Ease of Use Ratings Overall grade is based on multiple categories: ▪Preassembled vs. assembly required ▪Clarity of labeling on CR ▪Ease of securing child in CR ▪Ease of installing CR in vehicle ▪Clarity of written instructions

10. 3-10National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010) Chapter Review What is NHTSA? What are the basic Federal regulations for vehicles and CRs? What are non-regulated products? Give three examples List two ways to report a defect What is NHTSA’s Web site address?