STATEMENT BY NHTSA ADMINISTRATOR MARTINEZ REGARDING NEWS REPORTS SUGGESTING A CHANGE IN NHTSA'S SO-CALLED SPORTS UTILITY VEHICLE POLICY

Topics:  Ricardo Martinez

NHTSA
April 21, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 22-98
Tuesday, April 21, 1998
Contact: Tim Hurd
Tel. No. (202) 366-9550

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) only sport utility vehicle policy is to assure that the vehicles are as safe as possible for their occupants and for the occupants of other vehicles involved in a crash.

We continue to work together with auto manufacturers, suppliers, safety advocates, consumer groups, and the insurance industry in our ongoing comprehensive review of SUV safety issues.