## Safety Systems and Safety Check

### Automotive Safety

Automotive safety is not a recent invention of Washington legislators. Safety has always been a concern of automakers, even before Federal standards were initiated.

As far back as 1900, when vehicles were still "horseless carriages," the steering wheel replaced the rudder-like steering stick, adding safety as well as convenience to the vehicle.

In the next decade, the industry introduced the all-steel body, rearview mirror, shock absorbers and the electric horn.

Automobiles of the 1920s were revolutionized by steel wheels, twin-beam headlights, laminated windshield glass, hydraulic brakes on all four wheels, balloon tires and windshield wipers.

The 1930s brought improved steering gears, power brakes, defrosters and sealed-beam headlights.

In the 1940s double hood latches, padded instrument panels, and self-adjusting brakes were first used, in addition to one of the most important safety innovations — the turn signal.

In the post-war 1950s, the population of automobiles increased dramatically and safety became even more important. Seat belts, head restraints, energy-absorbing steering wheels and impact-resistant door latches were added to most new vehicles.

The '60s and '70s saw the advent of dual braking systems, collapsible steering columns, wear indicators for various parts of the vehicle, side impact door beams, warning lights and buzzers, seat-belt interlock systems and energy-absorbing bumper systems.

The '80s and '90s brought the addition of improved safety belts, improved side impact protection, head restraints, infant and child seats, and air bag systems. Also, there was a new focus on crash avoidance with the addition of anti-lock brakes and daytime running lights.

There are currently over 60 National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards that directly affect vehicle safety, with more (including revised air bags, improved head restraints, and advanced crash avoidance systems) sure to make it onto the books in the coming years.

Most of the cost of regulatory compliance has been passed on to the consumer in the form of retail price increases.