The Development of Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

Criteria are discussed concerning the development of and compliance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The initial and new safety standards are being evaluated continuously in terms of the concepts and techniques of system safety. The standards are also being updated in terms of minimum requirements for application to specific categories of vehicles and equipment. The interrelationship of reliability and maintainability requirements to vehicle safety is receiving increased system safety emphasis, and in upgrading motor vehicle safety positive steps are being taken to include such requirements in the new and in the vehicle in use standards now under development.