The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Evaluations of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

A history of the evaluation of existing motor vehicle safety devices by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other researchers. The discussion emphasizes observations of researchers toward the safety standards and the extent to which these have influenced or were influenced by evaluations. Issues concerning energy absorbing steering columns, head restraints, side door beams and windshield glazing and bonding are covered in detail.

This paper presents the views of the author and not necessarily those of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).