[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 226 (Wednesday, November 24, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 71648-71665]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-29545]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 571

Docket No. NHTSA-2010-0158
Regulation Identifier No. (RIN) 2127-AJ44


Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, Child Restraint Systems; 
Hybrid III 10-Year-Old Child Test Dummy

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 
Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety 
Standard (FMVSS) No. 213, Child Restraint Systems, regarding a Hybrid 
III 10-year-old child test dummy that the agency seeks to use in the 
compliance test procedures of the standard. This document supplements a 
2005 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) and a 2008 SNPRM previously 
published in this rulemaking (RIN 2127-AJ44) regarding this test dummy. 
In the 2005 NPRM, in response to Anton's Law, NHTSA proposed to adopt 
the 10-year-old child test dummy into FMVSS No. 213 to test child 
restraints for older children. Subsequently, to address variation that 
was found in dummy readings due to chin-to-chest contact, NHTSA 
published the 2008 SNPRM to propose a NHTSA-developed procedure for 
positioning the test dummy in belt-positioning seats. Comments on the 
SNPRM objected to the positioning procedure, and some suggested an 
alternative procedure developed by the University of Michigan 
Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI). Today's SNPRM proposes to 
use the UMTRI procedure to position the test dummy rather than the 
NHTSA-developed procedure. We note that the 10-year-old child dummy may 
sometimes experience stiff contact between its chin and upper sternal 
bib region which may result in an unrealistically high value of the 
head injury criterion (HIC) \1\ referenced in the standard. 
Accordingly, NHTSA proposes that the dummy's HIC measurement will not 
be used to assess the compliance of the tested child restraint. This 
SNPRM also proposes other amendments to FMVSS No. 213, including a 
proposal to permit NHTSA to use, at the manufacturer's option, the

[[Page 71649]]

Hybrid II or Hybrid III versions of the 6-year-old test dummy, and a 
proposal to use the UMTRI procedure to position the Hybrid III 6-year-
old and 10-year-old dummies when testing belt-positioning seats.
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    \1\ Throughout this document, HIC refers to the head injury 
criterion computed using a 36 millisecond (msec) time interval.

DATES: You should submit your comments early enough to ensure that the 
docket receives them not later than January 24, 2011. However, comments 
on our reinstating a provision in FMVSS No. 213 that permitted NHTSA to 
use, at the manufacturer's option, the Hybrid II or Hybrid III versions 
of the 6-year-old dummy in compliance testing should be received no 
later than 30 days after publication of this document in the Federal 
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Register.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments (identified by the DOT Docket ID 
Number above) by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility: U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room 
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    Instructions: For detailed instructions on submitting comments and 
additional information on the rulemaking process, see the Public 
Participation heading of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this 
document. Note that all comments received will be posted without change 
to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below.
    Privacy Act: Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all 
comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf 
of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's 
complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on 
April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78).
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received, go to http://www.regulations.gov or the street 
address listed above. Follow the online instructions for accessing the 
dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical issues, you may call Ms. 
Cristina Echemendia (Telephone: 202-366-6345) (Fax: 202-493-2990). For 
legal issues, you may call Ms. Deirdre Fujita, Office of Chief Counsel 
(Telephone: 202-366-2992) (Fax: 202-366-3820). You may send mail to 
these officials at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West 
Building, Washington, DC 20590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents

I. Background
    a. August 31, 2005 NPRM
    b. January 23, 2008 SNPRM
    c. Overview of Today's SNPRM
II. UMTRI Positioning Procedure for the HIII-10C
III. HIC and the Hybrid III 10-Year-Old Dummy
IV. Optional Use of Hybrid II or Hybrid III 6-Year-Old Test Dummy
V. UMTRI Positioning Procedure for the HIII-6C
VI. Other Applications of the UMTRI Procedure
VII. Other Proposals
    a. Using the HIII-10C to Test a CRS on LATCH
    b. CRSs Must Be Capable of Fitting the ATD
    c. Housekeeping
VIII. Research Plans
IX. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices
X. Public Participation

I. Background

a. August 31, 2005 NPRM

    On August 31, 2005, NHTSA published an NPRM proposing to amend 
FMVSS No. 213, Child Restraint Systems (49 CFR 571.213), to adopt into 
the standard's compliance test an instrumented 78 pound (lb) (35 
kilogram (kg)) Hybrid III test dummy representing a 10-year-old 
child.\2\ NHTSA proposed, among other matters, to use this dummy 
(referred to as the ``HIII-10C'') to test belt-positioning seats and 
other child restraint systems recommended for children weighing more 
than 50 lb (22.7 kg), and to incorporate with this dummy the injury 
criteria and other performance measures specified in S5 of FMVSS No. 
213 for evaluating child restraint systems (CRSs) with current test 
dummies. (Belt-positioning seats are a type of booster seat, see, S4 of 
FMVSS No. 213, and are commonly referred to as ``belt-positioning 
booster seats'' (BPB).) The NPRM proposed expanding the definition of 
``child restraint system'' in FMVSS No. 213 to include any device, 
except Type I or Type II seat belts,\3\ designed for use in a motor 
vehicle or aircraft to restrain, seat, or position children who weigh 
80 lb (36 kg) or less, thus expanding the applicability of FMVSS No. 
213 to CRSs recommended for children weighing up to 80 lb (36 kg) from 
the current threshold of 65 lb (29.5 kg).
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    \2\ NPRM for FMVSS No. 213, 70 FR 51720, August 31, 2005, Docket 
No. NHTSA-2005-21245.
    \3\ A Type I (or Type 1) seat belt is defined in FMVSS No. 209 
as a lap belt for pelvic restraint. A Type II (or Type 2) seat belt 
is defined in FMVSS No. 209, ``Seat belt assemblies,'' as a 
combination of pelvic and upper torso restraints, which is commonly 
referred to as a lap/shoulder or three-point belt.
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    The rulemaking proposal was part of an on-going agency initiative 
to enhance the safety of children in motor vehicle crashes. It also 
implemented Section 4(b) of Public Law 107-318, 116 Stat. 2772 
(``Anton's Law''), which required the initiation of a rulemaking 
proceeding for the adoption of an anthropomorphic test device (ATD) 
that simulates a 10-year-old child. Section 4 of Anton's Law, signed on 
December 4, 2002, stated that not later than 24 months after the date 
of the enactment of that Act, the Secretary shall develop and evaluate 
an ATD that simulates a 10-year-old child for use in testing child 
restraints used in passenger motor vehicles, and that within one year 
following such development and evaluation, the Secretary shall initiate 
a rulemaking proceeding for the adoption of an ATD so developed.
    In accordance with Anton's Law, NHTSA completed its evaluation of 
the suitability of the HIII-10C dummy in September 2004. Following the 
evaluation, NHTSA issued an NPRM to initiate rulemaking to adopt 
specifications and performance requirements for the test dummy into 49 
CFR Part 572, the agency's regulation for anthropomorphic test 
devices.\4\ That July 13, 2005 proposal was followed by the August 31, 
2005 NPRM on FMVSS No. 213 initiating rulemaking to adopt the dummy 
into FMVSS No. 213 as a compliance test device.
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    \4\ NPRM for 49 CFR part 572, July 13, 2005, 70 FR 40281; Docket 
No. NHTSA 2004-2005-21247, RIN 2127-AJ49.
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b. January 23, 2008 SNPRM

    The comments on the August 31, 2005 NPRM supported extending the 
applicability of FMVSS No. 213 to child restraints recommended for 
children up to 80 lb (36 kg), and supported having a 10-year-old dummy 
to test higher weight-rated child restraints. However, commenters 
raised concerns about the biofidelity of the HIII-10C dummy, 
particularly with regard to the interaction of the dummy's chin with 
the upper sternal bib region covering the upper portion of a metal 
``spine box.'' Commenters said that the dummy

[[Page 71650]]

exhibited ``chin-to-chest'' contacts resulting in high HIC scores and 
high HIC variability when tested multiple times under the same 
conditions.
    In response to these comments, the agency launched a series of 
tests to investigate the factors that influenced chin-to-chest contact. 
Results revealed that dummy posture was the primary factor contributing 
to HIC variation observed in testing of BPB seats. A consistent posture 
of the dummy in repeated tests with the same BPB revealed significant 
decreases in HIC variation. A more upright dummy posture minimized the 
chin-to-chest contact, which resulted in more repeatable and generally 
lower HIC values. In response to the comments, the agency developed a 
new dummy positioning procedure which established dummy posture (14 
degree torso angle \5\) and a belt positioned at specific landmarks of 
the dummy's body.
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    \5\ In the January 23, 2008 SNPRM, infra, torso angle was 
defined as the angle between the line joining the center of gravity 
of the dummy's head to its H-point and a vertical plane (73 FR 3901, 
3907).
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    On January 23, 2008 the agency published a supplemental notice of 
proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) \6\ proposing the new dummy positioning 
procedure for the Hybrid III 10-year-old dummy and the Hybrid III 6-
year-old dummy (HIII-6C) in BPB seats. The SNPRM supplemented the 
proposals of the August 31, 2005 NPRM in the following manner:
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    \6\ SNPRM for FMVSS No. 213, 73 FR 3901, Docket No. NHTSA-2007-
0048; reopening of comment period, 73 FR 15963, March 26, 2008.
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    1. The agency proposed dummy positioning procedures that establish 
dummy posture (torso angle at 14 degrees) and seat belt positions based 
on specific landmarks of the dummy's body. It was proposed that the 
dummy positioning procedures would be used when using the HIII-10C and 
the HIII-6C dummies to test BPB.
    2. In response to comments on a proposal in the August 31, 2005 
NPRM regarding which CRSs would be tested with the HIII-10C dummy, 
NHTSA revised the earlier proposal which had envisioned using the HIII-
10C to test child restraints for children weighing over 50 lb (22.7 
kg). The SNPRM proposed that child restraints recommended for children 
weighing 50 to 65 lb (22.7 to 29.5 kg) be tested with the HIII-6C dummy 
for performance, and with the weighted HIII-6C dummy for structural 
integrity, rather than with the HIII-10C. The HIII-10C dummy would be 
used to test CRSs recommended for children weighing more than 65 lb 
(29.5 kg).
    3. The SNPRM proposed to maintain the exclusion of belt-positioning 
seats from the seat back requirement by specifying that the HIII-10C 
dummy would not be used to determine the applicability of the head 
support surface requirements.
    4. To allow sufficient time for manufacturers to incorporate the 
SNPRM's seating procedure into their certification testing with the 
HIII-6C dummy, the SNPRM proposed to postpone, until August 1, 2010, an 
August 1, 2008 compliance date that had been specified for the 
mandatory use of the HIII-6C dummy. The proposal was to allow use of 
the Hybrid II 6-year-old dummy at the manufacturers' option, in lieu of 
the HIII-6C, until August 1, 2010.\7\
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    \7\ This proposal was subsequently adopted by a final rule 
published August 5, 2008 (73 FR 45355, Docket No. 2008-0137).
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    The agency received comments on the January 23, 2008 SNPRM from the 
University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), CRS 
manufacturers (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, Inc. 
(JPMA), Dorel), automobile manufacturers (Chrysler, the Alliance of 
Automobile Manufacturers (the Alliance)), and a private individual.\8\ 
All commenters that directly addressed the proposed dummy positioning 
procedure opposed it, finding the procedure to be complicated, 
cumbersome and difficult to use. Some found they could not position the 
dummy's torso angle in some BPB seats as specified in the SNPRM. Many 
commenters believed that the dummy's posture using the SNPRM-proposed 
method does not position the dummy as a child would sit on a particular 
BPB seat, and so dynamic tests using the proposed positioning procedure 
would not evaluate the true performance of BPB seat designs.
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    \8\ The private individual worked for a baby product retailer 
and was in favor of using the Hybrid III 10-year-old child test 
dummy for testing child restraints rated for children weighing 60 
pounds and greater.
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    UMTRI espoused the strengths of the dummy positioning procedure it 
developed and urged NHTSA to adopt those procedures.\9\ UMTRI stated 
that tests conducted at its facility show that children sit with a wide 
range of torso angles that depend on the BPB seat characteristics. 
UMTRI stated: ``We recommend a seating procedure that allows the ATD to 
sit against the back of the booster like a child, rather than being 
placed in a single posture regardless of the booster design, a practice 
that can result in a gap between the ATD and the back of the booster.'' 
The commenter stated that its procedures position the test dummies in 
postures that are more representative of how children similar in size 
to the ATD sit in different BPB seats, and would produce more 
meaningful assessments of BPB performance. The commenter also noted 
that its testing has demonstrated that the SNPRM's procedure, which was 
developed to reduce HIC variability, may in fact ``adversely affect 
child safety by creating incentives to produce poorer rather than 
better belt routing.'' That is, the commenter believed that HIC can be 
lowered by repositioning the torso belt further off of the dummy's 
shoulder, placing it in a position that could result in a child 
rotating out of the belt in a frontal crash.
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    \9\ The SNPRM referred briefly to the UMTRI seating procedure. 
NHTSA's view, which was disputed by some commenters, was that the 
UMTRI procedure was similar to the procedure proposed by the SNPRM. 
73 FR at 3907.
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    The UMTRI procedure results in unrealistically high HIC values 
measured by the dummy due to the more slouched positioning of the 
dummy. UMTRI suggested that NHTSA suspend use of HIC in the testing of 
BPB seats with the HIII-10C until the biofidelity of the test dummy is 
improved. UMTRI suggested that instead of HIC, NHTSA should use other 
measures to assess BPB seat performance, such as how the BPB seat 
affects seat belt placement and limits head excursion and 
submarining.\10\
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    \10\ As used in the August 5, 2008 NPRM, ``submarining'' is a 
term describing the kinematics occurring when a child occupant's 
pelvis becomes unrestrained by the lap belt portion of a seat belt 
assembly and then slides under the lap belt in a frontal impact. As 
a result, the belt can enter the abdominal region and cause injury 
to the unprotected internal organs and lumbar spine. Submarining 
frequently involves the child's knees sliding forward and the torso 
reclining rearward.
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    JPMA stated that the CRS manufacturers support including the HIII-
10C dummy into FMVSS No. 213 but do not support the implementation of 
the proposed dummy positioning procedure. JPMA suggested that the 
procedure appears to be compensating for ``a dummy design issue'' and 
results in the dummy being ``artificially positioned'' in the BPB seat 
with the lap and shoulder belt set in a predetermined position on the 
dummy. JPMA expressed particular concern about using the SNPRM-proposed 
positioning procedure for testing high back BPB seats that have more 
than one recline adjustment position. The commenter stated that with 
some BPB seats, the shoulders of the dummy could be positioned as much 
as two inches

[[Page 71651]]

forward of the seat back when the torso angle is set to 14 degrees. 
JPMA stated that since the use of the proposed dummy positioning 
procedure does not represent how children sit in BPB seats, it does not 
allow proper evaluation of these seats as intended for use. JPMA stated 
that the proposed seating procedure would increase the total test time 
and cost, due to the repeated adjustments and measurements and 
measuring tools that are required. JPMA expressed support for the UMTRI 
seating procedure and suggested that NHTSA delay implementation of the 
HIC requirement until such time that the design/biofidelity issue with 
the ATD has been addressed.
    Dorel expressed concern that the proposed dummy positioning 
procedure does not address the root cause of the chin-to-chest contact 
and that the proposed procedure will result in adoption of the HIII 10-
year-old and 6-year-old dummies in spite of the ATDs' non-biofidelic 
necks and torsos.
    The concerns outlined above were echoed by Chrysler as well, which 
stated that the SNPRM's positioning procedure creates an artificial 
unrealistic testing condition for the dummy that is not representative 
of a real world 10-year-old child. Chrysler stated that this artificial 
position seems to have been created in order to reduce the potential 
for submarining and chin-to-chest contact; the commenter believed that 
it would be better to correct the design of the dummy rather than 
establish unnatural seating positions. Chrysler stated that the HIII-
10C dummy submarines more frequently in FMVSS No. 213 type sled tests 
than has been observed in the field for the 8- to 12-year-old age 
group. Chrysler also stated there were ``frequently occurring noise 
spikes in the dummy chest responses (chest and sternum accelerations) 
[that] lead to uncertainty in the measurements obtained from the 
dummy.''
    The Alliance opposed the SNPRM's dummy positioning procedures as 
overly complex, impracticable, or otherwise inappropriate. The 
commenter stated that setting up the dummy torso angle to 14 degrees 
and leveling the head are likely to require several iterations and 
expensive measurement tools that make this procedure onerous and 
unnecessarily burdensome. The commenter noted that the HIII-6C dummy 
does not have an adjustable neck, and that neither dummy has an 
orientation marking on the head to use when setting the neck to 
``level,'' so it is impractical to achieve the level head requirement 
for some vehicle seats. Further, some Alliance members found that they 
had to place shims of varying thicknesses behind the dummy to achieve a 
torso angle of 14 degrees, or had a gap between the dummy and the seat 
back. Further, the commenter found that the procedure specified placing 
the shoulder belt lower on the dummies than where the belt normally 
would be placed, resulting in sub-optimal belt fit. The Alliance 
recommended that NHTSA should limit the calculation of HIC to periods 
prior to chin-to-chest contact. The commenter also suggested that, 
``until NHTSA and the industry can confirm that the use of LATCH 
anchorages with heavier children does not create an unsafe situation, 
the Alliance urges the agency to clarify that it will not use the LATCH 
anchorages when conducting compliance tests of harness equipped CRSs 
using the 10-year-old dummy.'' \11\
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    \11\ LATCH refers to Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, a 
term that was developed by industry to refer to the child restraint 
anchorage system required to be installed in vehicles by FMVSS No. 
225. FMVSS No. 213 requires harness-equipped conventional child 
safety seats to be able to be installed in a vehicle by both a 
vehicle's LATCH system, and the vehicle's seat belt. (Footnote 
added.)
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c. Overview of Today's SNPRM

    Based on an analysis of the comments to the January 23, 2008 SNPRM 
and other information, including the results of additional testing by 
NHTSA of BPB seats using the UMTRI positioning procedure, NHTSA is 
issuing this SNPRM that supplements the August 31, 2005 NPRM and the 
January 31, 2008 SNPRM, with the following proposals.\12\ Today's SNPRM 
adds to or supplements the previous documents by proposing to:
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    \12\ Proposals made in the 2005 NPRM and the 2008 SNPRM that are 
not discussed in today's SNPRM are still being considered by NHTSA. 
Today's proposed regulatory text mainly reflects the proposals 
discussed in today's SNPRM and does not reflect all of the earlier 
proposed amendments to FMVSS No. 213, even though those proposals 
are still part of this proposed rulemaking. It is not necessary for 
a commenter to resubmit views on proposals made in the 2005 NPRM and 
the 2008 SNPRM that the commenter has expressed in previous comments 
on the earlier NPRMs. The agency will respond to all relevant 
comments in a final rule or other document following on today's 
document.
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    1. Adopt a procedure for positioning the HIII-10C dummy in BPB 
seats based on the procedure developed by UMTRI, instead of the 
procedure described in the January 23, 2008 SNPRM. The procedure 
includes specifications for positioning the BPB seat on the standard 
seat assembly.
    2. Suspend the HIC criterion for the HIII-10C dummy in all child 
restraints, including BPB seats, until problems with the dummy that 
have resulted in unacceptable chin-to-chest contact in FMVSS No. 213 
testing have been resolved.
    3. Specify that a child restraint system recommended for children 
weighing over 65 lb (29.5 kg) will not be subject to testing with the 
HIII-10C when attached to the standard seat assembly using the LATCH 
system. These CRSs would be tested with the HIII-10C while attached to 
the standard seat assembly with the seat belt system. To reduce the 
likelihood that a consumer may mistakenly use this type of CRS with 
LATCH, this SNPRM proposes to require harness-equipped CRSs recommended 
for children of a weight range that includes children weighing over 65 
lb (29.5 kg), to be labeled with an instruction to the consumer not to 
use the vehicle LATCH system with a child weighing more than 65 lb 
(29.5 kg).
    4. Reinstate a provision that expired on August 1, 2010 that 
permitted NHTSA to use, at the manufacturer's option, the Hybrid II 6-
year old (H2-6C) dummy or the HIII-6C dummy for testing child 
restraints and BPB seats. This SNPRM also proposes using the UMTRI 
procedure to position the HIII-6C dummy in BPB seats.

II. UMTRI Positioning Procedure for the HIII-10C

    We propose adopting a procedure that is based on UMTRI's 
positioning procedure for positioning the HIII-10C dummy in BPB seats. 
UMTRI describes the procedure in its May 12, 2008 comment to the docket 
for the January 23, 2008 SNPRM.\13\ We propose adopting the procedure 
as we have set forth in the proposed regulatory text of this SNPRM.\14\ 
NHTSA is proposing to adopt the UMTRI-based procedure because the 
agency has found it simple to use, and because the procedure results in 
a positioning of the ATD that is substantially more representative of 
how a child would be positioned in a BPB seat than the procedure of the 
January 23, 2008 SNPRM. (As noted

[[Page 71652]]

below in this preamble, the UMTRI procedure is very similar to the 
procedure NHTSA currently uses to position ATDs in child restraints for 
the FMVSS No. 213 compliance tests.) With the UMTRI procedure, no gaps 
result between the ATD's back and the back of the BPB seat. Moreover, 
in our evaluation, we have tentatively determined that the HIII-10C 
dummy positioned according to the UMTRI procedure would yield 
repeatable ATD readings for determining compliance with FMVSS No. 213's 
requirements.\15\
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    \13\ Docket No. NHTSA-2007-0048-0010.
    \14\ There are a few aspects of the UMTRI procedure that we have 
modified or that we do not propose to include. For example, we 
eliminated the ``hip offset'' tool and all the steps involving the 
tool. (See UMTRI May 12, 2008 comment, p. 7.) The measurements done 
with the tool are unnecessary for our purposes, so we eliminated its 
use from our procedure. We followed the instruction on how to apply 
the belt, but we eliminated any steps that involved ``belt fit'' 
measures as we are not including this in our procedure. We do not 
specify performing three static installations of the ATD and that 
the mean posture and belt locations obtained in these installations 
would be the ``design'' targets when positioning the ATD for the 
sled test. (UMTRI comment, p. 6.) We found the three static 
installations to be unnecessary.
    \15\ With the exception of the HIII-10C's measurement of HIC. 
However, as explained below, we are proposing that HIC would not be 
measured by the HIII-10C using the UMTRI procedure in the FMVSS No. 
213 test.
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    Generally described, the UMTRI procedure first involves centering 
the BPB seat on the seating position of the test bench seat. A 30 lb 
(133 Newton (N)) force is then applied to push the BPB seat rearward 
into the test bench seat. The dummy is prepared with a lap form and a 
pelvis positioning pad before being positioned on the BPB seat. The lap 
form is placed on the ATD's lap to keep the lap belt from intruding 
into a gap that the Hybrid-III ATDs have between the pelvis flesh and 
thigh flesh. The pelvis positioning pad, placed behind the dummy, is 
used to help position the dummy with a slight slouch, which allows the 
dummy to adopt a posture similar to a child seated in a relaxed 
position. The dummy is positioned and centered on the BPB seat and is 
pushed rearward by applying a 40 lb (177 N) force on the dummy's lower 
pelvis and the thorax. The dummy's knees are placed pelvis width apart. 
These steps help the dummy achieve a ``natural'' seating position on 
the BPB seat.
    To restrain the dummy, the three-point (lap/shoulder) belt is 
pulled out of the shoulder belt attachment or retractor. The shoulder 
belt and the lap belt are routed through any guides, if available, 
according to the CRS manufacturer's instructions. The slack of the belt 
is removed by feeding the excess webbing into the shoulder belt 
attachment or retractor. The lap and shoulder belt sections are 
tightened to 2-4 lb (9-18 N) of tension. The lap belt tension is lower 
than the one currently specified in the FMVSS No. 213 test (12-15 lb) 
(53-67 N); however, according to UMTRI's comment, a 2-4 lb (9-18 N) 
tension is representative of a tension applied by a child in the real 
world. Accordingly, we are proposing a lap belt tension of 2-4 lb (9-18 
N).
    To provide readers an idea of the differences between the January 
23, 2008 SNPRM and the UMTRI-based procedures proposed today, Table 1 
below highlights the significant differences between the two 
procedures.


                      Table 1--Comparison of 2008 SNPRM and Today's UMTRI-Based Procedures
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                                                2008 SNPRM procedure                UMTRI-based procedure
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BPB Seat Positioning....................  Centered and pushed rearward....  Centered and pushed rearward
                                                                             applying 30 lb (133 N) of force.
Dummy Preparation.......................  ................................  Install lap form and pelvis
                                                                             positioning pad.
Dummy Positioning.......................  Centered on BPB seat and torso    Centered on BPB seat, torso aligned
                                           angle at 14.5 degrees from        with BPB's back or vehicle's seat
                                           vertical.                         back then pushed rearward by
                                                                             applying 40 lb (177 N) on chest and
                                                                             pelvis.
Belt Routing (Belt Guides)..............  According to manufacturer's       According to manufacturer's
                                           instructions.                     instructions.
Lap Belt Tension........................  12-15 lb (53-67 N)..............  2-4 lb (9-18 N).
Shoulder Belt Tension...................  2-4 lb (9-18N)..................  2-4 lb (9-18N).
Shoulder Belt-Positioning...............  (1) Outer edge of belt on outer   Shoulder belt positioned through the
                                           edge of jacket, (2) distance      shortest path between the buckle
                                           between bottom of dummy's chin    and the shoulder belt attachment.
                                           and the center of the shoulder
                                           belt/middle of the sternum
                                           should be 6.1 +/- 0.19 inches
                                           (in) (15.5 +/-0.5 cm), and (3)
                                           angle of the shoulder belt
                                           relative to horizontal should
                                           be 50 degrees +/- 10 degrees.
Lap Belt-Positioning....................  Top of belt is 1 in (2.54 cm) or  Hold the lap belt 6 in (15.24 cm)
                                           more below the top rim of the     above the midsagittal line of the
                                           pelvis molded skin.               dummy pelvis, then tighten lap belt
                                                                             by pulling on the shoulder portion
                                                                             of the belt towards the shoulder
                                                                             belt attachment.
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    After receiving the comments on the January 23, 2008 SNPRM, NHTSA 
evaluated the UMTRI positioning procedure to assess its potential use 
in FMVSS No. 213. The main objective of this evaluation was to assess 
the repeatability of the UMTRI procedure when used to position ATDs in 
CRSs in 48 kilometer per hour (km/h) (30 mile per hour (mph)) sled 
tests. We also compared the test results with those from previously-
conducted tests using the SNPRM-proposed procedure.\16\
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    \16\ In these tests, NHTSA did not use the lap form recommended 
by UMTRI to prevent the lap belt from getting caught between the 
pelvis and thigh of the dummy. In these tests, the lap belt did not 
get caught in the gap between the pelvis and thigh.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To assess the UMTRI procedure in positioning the HIII-10C dummy, we 
tested four different models of BPB seats using the UMTRI positioning 
procedure and the HIII-10C dummy. Each of the four BPB seat designs was 
tested three times. We also conducted one test with a fifth BPB seat. 
Results of this repeatability assessment are shown below in Table 2, 
below. These data show that the chest acceleration and head and knee 
excursion of the ATD had good repeatability, with coefficient of 
variation (C.V.) values lower than 10 percent. The only measure showing 
a C.V. higher than 10 percent was HIC caused by the chin-to-chest 
contact interaction present.
    Table 2 also compares the average computed torso angles, HIC, chest 
acceleration, head excursion and knee excursion of the HIII-10C dummy 
for each BPB design tested multiple times using the UMTRI procedure and 
the SNPRM procedure with 14 degree torso angle. All tests were 
performed at a speed differential of 48 km/h (30 mph).

[[Page 71653]]



                                                    Table 2--NHTSA Sled Tests Results for HIII-10C 17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   HIC  36  ms   3 ms. Chest      Head          Knee
                                                                                      Computed   --------------   acc. (g)      excursion     excursion
              Restraint                        Test No.            Seating proc.     torso angle               --------------     (mm)          (mm)
                                                                      method            (deg)         1000                   ---------------------------
                                                                                                                     60            813           915
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Safety 1st Apex 65...................  UMTRI..................  Avg.                     24.1        1200            41.4         562           890
                                                                S.D.                      0.6         112.9           3.35          3.6          32.3
                                                                C.V.                      2.59%         9.41%         8.09%         0.64%         3.63%
                                       SNPRM 14 deg...........  Avg.                     13.8         802            53.4         620           805
                                                                S.D.                      0.2         107.8           2.30         14.6          13.2
                                                                C.V.                      1.10%        13.44%         4.31%         2.35%         1.64%
Britax Parkway.......................  UMTRI..................  Avg.                     20.1        1052            48.2         541           763
                                                                S.D.                      1.4         229.2           2.66         19.6          20.5
                                                                C.V.                      6.96%        21.79%         5.51%         3.62%         2.69%
                                       SNPRM 14 deg...........  Avg.                     14.0         467            48.1         602           718
                                                                S.D.                      0.1          43.8           1.03         24.0          14.0
                                                                C.V.                      0.82%         9.40%         2.13%         3.99%         1.95%
Graco Turbo (No Back)................  UMTRI..................  Avg.                     16.6         885            48.7         491           700
                                                                S.D.                      1.8          91.8           3.91          8.8          21.4
                                                                C.V.                     10.56%        10.38%         8.04%         1.80%         3.05%
                                       SNPRM 14 deg...........  Avg.                     14.1         650            49.6         563           691
                                                                S.D.                      0.1          45.9           2.41         20.3           7.0
                                                                C.V.                      0.71%         7.07%         4.86%         3.60%         1.02%
Recaro Young Style...................  UMTRI..................  Avg.                     20.5        1346            50.1         538           739
                                                                S.D.                      0.6          60.0           1.9          13.1          14.8
                                                                C.V.                      2.99%         4.45%         3.83%         2.44%         2.00%
                                       SNPRM 14 deg...........  Avg.                     14.1         760            49.6         673           766
                                                                S.D.                      0.2          79.0           2.94         49.0          10.2
                                                                C.V.                      1.08%        10.39%         5.92%         7.28%         1.33%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17 Results from tests using SNPRM procedure reported in Stammen, J., Sullivan, L. ``Development of a Hybrid III 6 Yr. Old and 10 Yr. Old Dummy Seating
  Procedure for Booster Seat Testing,'' January 2008, Docket NHTSA 2007-0048.

    Not surprisingly, the test results showed that the January 23, 2008 
SNPRM positioning procedure consistently yielded the lowest HIC values 
in all models of BPB seats, while the UMTRI procedure yielded the 
highest ones. These results illustrate how HIC values were affected--
generally reduced--by the dummy upright posture produced by the 2008 
SNPRM procedure. UMTRI's dummy positioning procedure resulted in the 
highest torso angles (i.e., a more slouched dummy) when compared to the 
2008 SNPRM procedure using the same BPB seat model, which resulted in 
the higher HIC values.
    As noted above, the UMTRI procedure specifies that the dummy is 
prepared with a lap form and a pelvis positioning pad before being 
positioned on the BPB seat. In our tests, NHTSA did not use the lap 
form recommended by UMTRI to prevent the lap belt from getting caught 
between the pelvis and thigh of the dummy. In none of our tests did the 
lap belt get caught in the gap between the pelvis and thigh. However, 
we tentatively conclude that the lap form should be specified for use 
in the FMVSS No. 213 compliance test to avoid the possibility that the 
lap belt could get caught in the thigh/pelvis gap. Thus, in the 
regulatory text proposed by today's SNPRM, we specify use of the lap 
form and pelvis positioning pad.
    We describe the lap form and pelvis positioning pad in the proposed 
regulatory text as follows. ``Lap form'' is described as a piece of 
translucent silicone rubber 3 millimeter (mm) thick (50A Durometer) cut 
to a certain pattern that would be specified in a new figure (proposed 
Figure 13) added to FMVSS No. 213. ``Pelvis positioning pad'' is 
described as: a 125 x 95 x 20 mm piece of foam or rubber with a 
compression resistance between 13 to 17 pounds per square inch (psi) in 
a compression-deflection test specified in ASTM D-1056-07, a maximum 
compression set of 25 percent after a 24 hour recovery time in a 
compression set test for a Type 2--Grade 4 material specified in ASTM 
D-1056-07, and with a density of 9.5 to 12.5 lb/ft<SUP>3</SUP>.\18\ The 
pelvis positioning pad used during NHTSA's testing was made from 
Ensolite IE4 foam (Armacell Inc.). NHTSA seeks to avoid material- or 
manufacturer-specific references in the regulatory text. Comments are 
requested on these specifications.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) D1056-07, 
Standard Specification for Flexible Cellular Materials--Sponge or 
Expanded Rubber, http://www.astm.org/Standards/D1056.htm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comments are requested on the proposed dummy positioning procedure. 
The proposed positioning procedure would apply when the HIII-10C dummy 
is used to test BPB seats and not when the dummy is used to test child 
restraints other than BPB seats (``non-booster seats'').\19\ NHTSA 
tentatively concludes that the procedure is not needed to test non-
booster seats because those child restraints have an internal harness 
to help position the dummy. For those restraints, there is already a 
methodology set forth in FMVSS No. 213 and in the agency's Laboratory 
Test Procedures for the standard \20\ for positioning test dummies in 
the restraint systems. The methodology specifies applying a certain 
load to the dummy's pelvic/lower torso area to ensure the dummy is as 
far back in the restraint as possible, and tightening the internal 
harness to specifications.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ There are only a few non-booster seats recommended for 
children weighing over 29.5 kg (65 lb) (e.g., Britax Regent and 
Sunshine Kids Radian 80).
    \20\ http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/staticfiles/DOT/NHTSA/Vehicle%20Safety/Test%20Procedures/Associated%20Files/TP213-9a.pdf
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We tentatively conclude that the current FMVSS No. 213 procedures 
reasonably assure that the ATD is properly positioned in the non-
booster seat. We note also that this Laboratory Test Procedure is quite 
similar to the UMTRI procedure.

[[Page 71654]]

    However, although the current positioning procedure and the UMTRI 
procedure are very similar, the UMTRI procedure includes additional 
steps throughout the procedure that facilitate more control of the BPB 
seat, dummy, and belt positioning. The UMTRI procedure includes a step 
to center the BPB on the sled seat and apply a 30 lb (133 N) force 
rearward. This step ensures the proper position of the BPB on the test 
seat. As previously mentioned, the UMTRI procedure also includes a lap 
form to prevent the lap belt from being caught between the leg and the 
pelvis, and pelvis positioning pad to allow a slightly slouched seated 
position of the dummy. The UMTRI procedure uses a tension of 2-4 lb (9-
18 N) in the lap belt while the current position uses a 12-15 lb (53-67 
N) tension. The UMTRI procedure describes how to install and tighten 
the seat belt, while the current position does not have any specific 
steps for doing so. For these reasons, we believe that the UMTRI 
procedure is a more desirable procedure over the current FMVSS No. 213 
positioning procedure and should be used to position the HIII-10C on 
BPB seats. Comments are requested on the advantages of the UMTRI 
procedure over the current NHTSA procedure for testing BPB seats.

III. HIC and the Hybrid III 10-Year-Old Dummy

    We propose suspending the HIC criterion when using the HIII-10C 
test dummy to test BPB seats and other child restraints until we have 
resolved the problems with the dummy that have resulted in the chin-to-
chest interaction that have caused unrealistically high HIC values in 
FMVSS No. 213 tests.
    In the January 23, 2008 SNPRM, we explained the chin-to-chest 
contact in the HIII-10C ATD and how the HIC values were affected (73 FR 
at 3904-3905):

    A[n] [HIII-10C] dummy that is set up to have a more reclined 
torso (high torso angle) is more likely to submarine under the 
vehicle belt. The motion of the head is much different in a 
submarining case than in a situation where the dummy is well 
restrained. When the dummy is restrained effectively (shoulder belt 
centered on the sternum, lap belt on the pelvis), the head moves 
forward in unison with the upper torso as the belt tension 
increases. Then, as the belt reaches its spooling limit, the head 
rotates in a wide arc and late in the event contacts a location 
either on the ribcage or into a portion of the bib \21\ having a 
large clearance to the spine box. Since the ribcage is compliant, 
the bib-to-spine box clearance is high, and the contact occurs very 
late in the event, the resulting head acceleration due to chin 
contact is low. Thus its contribution to the HIC calculation is 
minimal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ The bib is a piece of thin plastic on the front of the 
dummy that serves as an interface between the ribs and the sternum 
plate. It extends over each shoulder and covers the cavity between 
the top rib and the lower neck region of the spine box. The chest 
jacket covers the bib.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In contrast, in a submarining case, the head does not translate 
forward much at all because the shoulder belt engages the neck 
instead of restraining the upper torso. Therefore the upper torso 
steadily becomes more horizontal and reclined because the 
overwhelming majority of the dummy's mass is below the shoulder 
belt. The head is pulled downward by the weight of the dummy through 
the neck, and the forward inertia of the head mass causes severe 
rotation about the shoulder belt at the bottom of the neck. As a 
result, the head arc is much tighter and chin contact occurs sooner 
in the event, before a significant amount of kinetic energy is 
dissipated through the belt. This motion causes the chin to contact 
the low-clearance portion of the bib overlaying the top part of the 
spine box housing the lower neck load cell. The bib does not provide 
much resistance to the head's increased rotational energy and the 
chin essentially ``bottoms out'' on the spine box, causing a large 
spike in head acceleration and increased HIC.

    While the UMTRI procedure produces a more lifelike positioning of 
the test dummy, such positioning results in anomalies in HIC values 
measured by the dummy due to the more slouched positioning of the 
dummy.\22\ The slouched positioning produces higher rotational velocity 
in the dummy's head compared to an upright dummy, putting the head/chin 
in non-representative contact with a more rigid and non-lifelike 
portion of the dummy structure (the upper sternal bib region covering 
the upper spine box in the ATD's chest). CRSs tested with the HIII-10C 
ATD in the slouched position are more likely to produce HIC values in 
the ATD indicating an unacceptable risk of head injury, even though 
head injury due to chin-to-chest impacts are not occurring in the real 
world.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ The Hybrid III-10C dummy incorporates more pelvic slouch 
than other dummies in the Hybrid III family. Slouch was introduced 
in the design of this dummy because children not in booster seats 
tend to slouch to keep their knees bent over the vehicle seat. This 
slouching characteristic increases the risk of submarining for the 
Hybrid III 10-year-old dummy resulting in a more severe chin-to-
chest contact (higher HIC values). In addition to this, the neck of 
the Hybrid 10-year-old dummy has a segmented neck with aluminum 
intervertebral disks which results in higher excursion and more 
flexion than the Hybrid III-6C. The higher HIC values (chin-to-chest 
contact) are more pronounced in the HIII-10C than the HIII-6C.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NHTSA analyzed the National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) 
Crashworthiness Data System (CDS) data files for the years 1999 to 2008 
to better understand real world injuries among children in different 
restraint conditions. The risk and source of injury to different body 
regions was also determined. The sampled data consisted of children, 5-
12 years of age, in rear seats of light passenger vehicles that were 
involved in non-rollover frontal towaway crashes. Weighting factors in 
NASS/CDS were applied to the sample data to represent national 
estimates of towaway crashes. The weighted data consisted of 910,308 
(1940 unweighted sample) children of which 49 percent were 5-7-year-
olds and 51 percent were 8-12-year-olds. Among the 5-7-year-olds, 69 
percent were using vehicle seat belts, 22 percent were in harness CRS 
or BPB, and 9 percent were unrestrained. Among the 8-12-year-olds, 90 
percent were using the vehicle belts, 1 percent was in harness CRS or 
BPB, and 9 percent were unrestrained.
    The risk of AIS 2+ injury for children 5-7 years old was 5.2 
percent for unbelted children, 1.2 percent for belted children and 0.9 
percent for children in CRSs. The AIS2+ injury risk for children 8-12 
years old was 8.1 percent for unbelted children and 1.3 percent for 
belted children. There were no cases of children 8-12 years old in 
CRSs. Both age groups showed a decrease of injury risk when using 
restraints (belt or CRS).
    The most common AIS 2+ injuries among children restrained (vehicle 
seat belt or CRS) in rear seats were to the head and face (48 percent), 
followed by upper extremities (19 percent), torso (17 percent) and 
lower extremities (16 percent). The most-common known contacts for 
AIS2+ head injuries to 5-12 year-old-children restrained by vehicle 
seat belts or CRS/BPB was the seat back (50 percent). There was only 
one case in this sample of restrained children where an AIS 2+ head 
injury occurred due to self-contact. Further examination of this 
particular case indicated that it involved a 7-year-old child 
restrained with a vehicle seat belt. The child's head contacted its 
knee resulting in an AIS 2-severity concussion.
    The results of this real world data analysis indicates that the 
injury risk is substantially reduced when the child is restrained by 
vehicle seat belts or in child restraints. The results show that most 
head injuries in restrained children are caused by contact with the 
seat back. Only one head injury case was associated with self contact 
(head contact with knee) but no cases were reported where there was 
chin-to-chest contact that resulted in a head injury.
    Thus, the high HIC values measured by the HIII-10C dummy in 
laboratory sled tests due to chin-to-chest contact do not seem to be 
replicating a real world injury mechanism. Children are

[[Page 71655]]

not being injured by chin-to-chest contact.
    To see if the HIC values measured by the dummy in the FMVSS No. 213 
could be made more meaningful and relevant, we investigated the 
possibility of improving the dummy's biofidelity. In 2008, Ash et 
al.\23\ published results of a study comparing the responses of a 
pediatric cadaver restrained by a three-point belt with that of a HIII-
10C dummy in frontal sled tests. The cadaver sled test was replicated 
using the HIII-10C dummy, and the kinematics of the dummy and cadaver 
were compared, along with the accelerations of the head, shoulder and 
lap belt loads of the cadaver and dummy. (Due to anthropometric and 
age-equivalent differences between the cadaver and the dummy, geometric 
scaling was performed on the signals based on the seated height and 
material properties.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ Ash, JH, Sherwood, CP, Abdelilah, Y, Crandall, JR, Parent, 
DP, Kallieris, D., ``Comparison of Anthropomorphic Test Dummies with 
a Pediatric Cadaver Restrained by a Three-point Belt in Frontal Sled 
Tests,'' Proceedings of the 21st ESV Conference, June 2009.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The study showed similarities in the shoulder belt and lap belt 
forces and head excursions of HIII-10C and the scaled pediatric 
cadaver. However, test data revealed differences in the maximum 
shoulder excursions and translation and rotation at the cervical and 
thoracic spine junction. The head excursions between the ATD and the 
scaled cadaver were similar but there were differences in how the head 
reached its maximum excursion point. The T1 vertebra (base of the neck) 
of the cadaver had greater forward travel than that of the dummy while 
the dummy experienced greater rotation at the base of the neck than the 
cadaver. These differences in kinematics were attributed to the rigid 
thoracic spine of the dummy, along with extensive bending at the 
cervical and thoracic spine junction. The greater neck rotation at the 
base of the neck of the dummy compared to the cadaver led to greater 
angular velocity of the head. This greater head velocity, coupled with 
the stiff chin-to-chest interaction reported by Stammen,\24\ resulted 
in significantly higher HIC values for the dummy than that expected 
based on field injury risk.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ Stammen, J., Sullivan, L., ``Development of a Hybrid III 6-
Yr.-Old and 10-Yr.-Old Dummy Seating Procedure for Booster Seat 
Testing,'' January 2008, Docket NHTSA-2007-0048.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    When we evaluated the suitability of the HIII-10C dummy, we found 
that the individual components of the HIII-10C dummy exhibited 
excellent performance with respect to the Hybrid III Dummy Family Task 
Group (HIII DFTG) certification requirements.\25\ However, as explained 
in Ash (2008), the rigid stiff spine of the dummy and the extensive 
bending at the cervical and thoracic spine junction affected the 
kinematics of the dummy, particularly chin-to-chest contact. In section 
VIII of this preamble to this SNPRM, we discuss our plans to improve 
the biofidelity of the HIII-10C as a complete system. We have 
tentatively decided that until the biofidelity of the dummy is improved 
to address the chin-to-chest interaction in the FMVSS No. 213 
environment, HIC should not be measured by the HIII-10C dummy in FMVSS 
No. 213.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ Stammen, J., ``Technical Evaluation of the Hybrid III Ten-
Year-Old Dummy (HIII-10C),'' September 2004, Docket NHTSA-2005-
21247-0003.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Another reason we propose not to use HIC as a criterion when using 
the HIII-10C dummy to test BPB seats is UMTRI's information 
demonstrating that HIC can be reduced by poor shoulder belt 
placement.\26\ UMTRI found in sled tests that when the shoulder belt 
slips off the HIII-10C dummy shoulder, the chin-to-chest contact did 
not occur because the dummy rolls out of the shoulder belt and moves 
forward. As a result, the HIC value was low but head excursion 
increased as the dummy's upper torso was not restrained by the shoulder 
belt. Although head excursion increased in situations where the 
shoulder belt slipped off the dummy, the values were still 
substantially within compliance limits, therefore giving a ``passing'' 
value to the BPB seat. These data demonstrated that using HIC as an 
injury measure may encourage poor belt routing designs that place the 
shoulder belt more outboard, which could allow the dummy to roll out of 
the belt in a sled test.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ Klinich, K.D., Reed, M.P., Ritchie, N.L., Manary, M.A., 
Schneider, L.W., Rupp, J.D., ``Assessing Child Belt Fit, Volume II: 
Effect of Restraint Configuration, Booster Seat Designs, Seating 
Procedure, and Belt Fit on the Dynamic Response of the Hybrid III 10 
YO ATD in Sled Tests,'' September 2008, UMTRI-2008-49-2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    However, we continue to believe that the HIII-10C would be an 
important test instrument to add to FMVSS No. 213 to assess the 
performance of CRSs recommended for use by children weighing 65 lb 
(29.5 kg) or more. The ways in which we would use the ATD in the 
standard to assess the performance of child restraints for larger 
children is discussed in the next section below. Incorporating the ATD 
would fulfill the aspirations of Anton's Law to develop and evaluate a 
test dummy that represents a 10-year-old child to evaluate the 
performance of child restraints for older children. Further, without 
the HIII-10C, little if anything would be gained by extending the 
applicability of FMVSS No. 213 to CRSs for children weighing 65 lb 
(29.5 kg) or more, as the performance of the CRSs to protect larger 
children would not be dynamically tested with an ATD representative of 
children weighing more than 65 lb (29.5 kg).
    We disagree with a point Chrysler made in its comments to the 2008 
SNPRM, that the HIII-10C submarines more frequently in FMVSS No. 213 
type sled tests than has been observed in the field for the 8- to 12-
year-old age group. (The commenter noted that the consequence from 
submarining was severe chin-to-chest contact which results in increased 
HIC values.) The agency reviewed the publications referenced by 
Chrysler \27\ in its comment on this point and found that those field 
observations were based on insurance claims data and involved crashes 
of significantly lower severity than the FMVSS No. 213 sled test, which 
represents a 48 km/h (30 mph) frontal crash. Thus, it is understandable 
that the children in the field studies did not submarine at the same 
frequency as the HIII-10C in the FMVSS No. 213 test environment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \27\ Arbogast, K B, et al., ``Predictors of Pediatric Abdominal 
Injury Risk,'' Stapp Car Crash Journal, Vol. 48, 2004.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Moreover, we are aware that UMTRI \28\ conducted a series of sled 
tests to investigate the HIII-10C response to variations in shoulder 
and lap belt configurations and found that the dummy submarined in lap 
belt configurations that did not engage the child's pelvis while it did 
not submarine in belt configurations which engaged the pelvis of a 
child of similar size as the dummy. Therefore, we believe that the 
HIII-10C dummy correctly submarines in severe crash environments such 
as the FMVSS No. 213 sled test.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \28\ Reed, M.P., Ebert-Hamilton, S.M., Klinich, K.D., Manary, 
M.A., Rupp, J.D., ``Assessing Child Belt Fit, Volume II: Effects of 
Restraint Configuration, Booster Seat Designs, Seating Procedure, 
and Belt Fit on the Dynamic Response of the Hybrid III 10 YO ATD in 
Sled Tests,'' September 2008, UMTRI-2008-49-2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We are proceeding with our proposal to add specifications for the 
HIII-10C to NHTSA's regulation for Anthropomorphic Test Devices, 49 CFR 
part 572, as proposed in the July 13, 2005 NPRM (RIN 2127-AJ49). We 
will respond to the comments submitted to that NPRM when we publish our 
rulemaking document following on that NPRM.

[[Page 71656]]

    We note that in that July 13, 2005 NPRM, we proposed a head drop 
calibration test (proposed 49 CFR 572.172) to assess the response of 
the accelerometer in the ATD's head (70 FR at 40289, 40293). Even if 
HIC is not used as a pass-fail criterion in FMVSS No. 213 with the 
HIII-10C, we believe that the head drop specification should be 
included in 49 CFR 572.172, since we plan to obtain HIC data for 
research purposes when using the HIII-10C in dynamic tests. Comments 
are requested on this issue.

Other Measures of Injury Risk

    Although the HIC criterion would not apply to CRSs tested with the 
HIII-10C, we continue to believe that head and knee excursion and chest 
acceleration criteria should be adopted. We generally concur with 
UMTRI's comment to the SNPRM that NHTSA should ``use other measures 
[besides HIC] that assess belt placement, limit head excursion, and 
evaluate the likelihood of submarining when assessing booster 
performance'' when using the UMTRI procedure.
    We believe that the HIII-10C is suitable for measuring head and 
knee excursion and chest acceleration. As discussed earlier in this 
preamble, Ash et al., supra, published results of a study comparing the 
responses of a pediatric cadaver restrained by a three-point belt with 
that of a HIII-10C dummy in frontal sled tests. The study showed 
similarities in the shoulder belt and lap belt forces and head 
excursions of the HIII-10C and the scaled pediatric cadaver. While 
there were differences in the maximum shoulder excursions and 
translation and in the rotation at the cervical and thoracic spine 
junction affecting how the head reached its maximum excursion point, 
the head excursions between the HIII-10C and the scaled cadaver were 
similar.
    In its comment, Chrysler noted noise spikes associated with the 
HIII-10C dummy chest and sternum acceleration responses without chin-
to-chest contact, which were initially observed in a Transport Canada 
research paper.\29\ Chrysler also referred to a second paper \30\ where 
28 full-scale (56 km/h) (35 mph) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) 
tests were analyzed. Chrysler indicated that occurrence of chest 
acceleration noise spikes were seen primarily in the lateral direction, 
and occasionally in the longitudinal and vertical directions and were 
observed in 80 percent of the tests (22 out of 28 tests). In addition, 
Chrysler stated that a third paper \31\ showed that noise spikes in the 
chest data were observed in 75 percent of the 30 sled tests NHTSA 
conducted in evaluating the HIII-10C.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \29\ Tylko, S., ``Protection of Rear Seat Occupants in Frontal 
Crashes,'' The 19th Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV) Conference 
Proceedings, (2005), Paper number: 05-258.
    \30\ Hong, S., Park, C.K. Morgan, R.M., Kan, C.D., Park, S., 
Bae, H., ``A Study of the Rear Seat Occupant Safety Using a 10-Year-
Old Child Dummy in the New Car Assessment Program,'' SAE 2008 World 
Congress, 2008-01-0511.
    \31\ Stammen, J., ``Technical Evaluation of the Hybrid III Ten 
Year Old Dummy (HIII-10C),'' September 2004, Docket: NHTSA-2005-
21247-003.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Chrysler hypothesized that a possible source of the acceleration 
spikes is the shoulder, since the shoulder design for the HIII-10C 
dummy is more complex and potentially more susceptible to mechanical 
noise/metal contacts than is seen with the other Hybrid III child 
dummies. Chrysler conducted some internal investigations on this 
potential noise issue. Quasi-static testing was attempted by loosening 
the shoulder joint in order to allow full rotation range of motion. 
Chrysler stated that tests revealed an internal mechanical clicking 
noise emanating from the shoulder components which may suggest that a 
potential source of metal-to-metal contact exists within the dummy. 
Chrysler hypothesized that if this is the cause of the acceleration 
noise spikes, then it is possible that the acceleration spike could be 
greater with significant lateral loading, such as that produced by side 
air bags. Chrysler suggested further dynamic testing to verify this 
hypothesis.
    Chrysler recognized that in most cases, the noise spikes were 
removed by applying the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Channel 
Frequency Class (CFC) 180 filtering, but stated that filtering does not 
eliminate this effect for all cases. Therefore, Chrysler considers it 
necessary to check for potential influences from these spikes on the 3 
millisecond (ms) clip chest resultant acceleration.
    The agency reviewed the acceleration data from the agency's tests 
referenced by Chrysler and found that the noise spikes were removed or 
attenuated by processing the data using an SAE CFC 180 filter, and 
determined that these acceleration spikes were of no consequence to 
injury assessment using the HIII-10C dummy. Further, since the HIII-10C 
dummy is proposed for use in frontal sled tests where there is little 
lateral loading, the noise spikes observed by Chrysler in lateral chest 
accelerations will have negligible effect on the dummy responses.
    For the aforementioned reasons, the agency believes that the 
dummy's chest instrumentation is correctly measuring the acceleration 
experienced by the dummy, and the chest acceleration injury criterion 
is not compromised when standard filtering techniques are applied. 
Therefore, NHTSA is proposing that the HIII-10C is suitable for use in 
FMVSS No. 213 to measure chest acceleration and that no changes are 
needed in the dummy regarding the acceleration spikes identified by 
Chrysler.

Belt Fit

    We are not proposing belt fit criteria at this time. UMTRI 
developed belt fit criteria and target values and ranges corresponding 
to ``good'' lap and shoulder belt fit.\32\ NHTSA conducted a series of 
tests to evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of UMTRI's 
positioning procedure, which also included measurements taken at 
specific landmarks to evaluate belt fit. These measurements were used 
to develop belt fit scores for the ``lap belt score'' (LBS) and the 
``shoulder belt score'' (SBS). The results of these tests are discussed 
in detail in a memorandum submitted to the docket and are summarized 
below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \32\ Reed, M.P., Ebert-Hamilton, S.M., Klinich, K.D., Manary, 
M.A., Rupp, J.D., ``Assessing Child Belt Fit, Volume I: Effects of 
Vehicle Seat and Belt Geometry on Belt Fit for Children with and 
without BPB Seats,'' September 2008, UMTRI- 2008-49-1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Briefly, the belt fit criteria developed by UMTRI was intended as 
an objective method for assessing lap and shoulder belt fit for 
different BPBs. In NHTSA's evaluation of the belt fit criteria, we 
evaluated four BPBs, taking the belt fit measures three times per BPB. 
The variance and range in repeated measurements, especially for the 
shoulder belt fit, was unacceptably high. In NHTSA's evaluation, the 
range of lap and shoulder belt fit scores from repeated measurements 
for the HIII-6C dummy were 11.1 mm and 11.5 mm (0.43 in and 0.45 in), 
respectively, and the range for the HIII-10C dummy were 9.5 mm and 7.4 
mm (0.37 in and 0.29 in), respectively. The results indicate poor 
repeatability of belt fit measures. The results also showed 
inconsistencies in the LBS and SBS measurements on the same BPB models 
at different laboratories. The results also suggested that the belt 
positioning procedure can be influenced by the operator. In short, the 
repeatability and reproducibility of the belt fit procedure does not 
seem robust enough to implement in the FMVSS No. 213 at this time. 
NHTSA believes that future improvements to the procedure may improve 
its reproducibility. NHTSA is currently assessing the repeatability and 
reproducibility of a booster seat belt fit evaluation protocol 
developed by

[[Page 71657]]

UMTRI and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for booster 
seat belt fit rating.
    We note that although we believe that the belt fit procedure is not 
sufficiently robust at this time, we consider the UMTRI dummy 
positioning procedure proposed in this SNPRM to be otherwise 
acceptable. As previously noted, the current FMVSS No. 213 and the 
UMTRI positioning procedure are very similar, with the UMTRI procedure 
including additional steps to facilitate control of the BPB seat, 
dummy, and belt positioning. The repeatability and reproducibility 
issues regarding belt fit were not attributed to the positioning 
procedure, but were instead associated with differences in HIII-6C 
child dummy jackets and friction issues between the belt and the 
dummy's chest or clothes.

IV. Optional Use of Hybrid II or Hybrid III 6-Year-Old Test Dummy

    For child restraints manufactured before August 1, 2010, CRS 
manufacturers had the option to specify that NHTSA test their child 
restraints with either the Hybrid II or the Hybrid III 6-year-old dummy 
(S7.1.3, FMVSS No. 213). Under current FMVSS No. 213 specifications, 
NHTSA must test child restraint systems manufactured on or after August 
1, 2010 with the Hybrid III ATD. This SNPRM proposes to reinstate the 
option of allowing manufacturers to specify the use of either ATD in 
the compliance test, until such time FMVSS No. 213 is further amended 
to specify otherwise.
    The agency adopted the HIII-6C into FMVSS No. 213 in a final 
rule\33\ published in response to a mandate in the Transportation 
Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation Act (the TREAD 
Act) (November 1, 2000, Pub. L. 106-414, 114 Stat. 1800) that required 
NHTSA undertake rulemaking on child restraint systems. Section 14 of 
the TREAD Act directed NHTSA to initiate a rulemaking for the purpose 
of improving the safety of child restraints by November 1, 2001, and to 
complete it by issuing a final rule or taking other action by November 
1, 2002. Section 14 specified nine elements for consideration by NHTSA 
in improving child restraint safety, including considering whether to 
require the use of the HIII-6C and other Hybrid III ATDs in FMVSS No. 
213 compliance tests.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \33\ June 24, 2003, 68 FR 37620, Docket No. NHTSA-2003-15351.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Consistent with the TREAD Act, NHTSA decided in that rulemaking to 
adopt the HIII-6C into FMVSS No. 213. NHTSA considered the dummy to be 
``considerably more biofidelic'' than its predecessor, the H2-6C dummy, 
and with unsurpassed potential to measure an array of impact responses 
never before measured by a child ATD, such as neck moments and chest 
deflections.
    However, the agency acknowledged there was mixed acceptance by the 
commenters of the HIII-6C dummy. Some commenters believed that the 
HIII-6C exhibited large neck elongation in the FMVSS No. 213 test 
environment resulting in chin-to-chest and head-to-knee contact and 
correspondingly high HICs. In evaluating those comments, NHTSA 
carefully analyzed its test data of sled testing conducted with the 
HIII-6C, but found no data indicating that head-to-chest or head-to-
knee impacts were an issue or were typical. 68 FR at 37644. 
Accordingly, the HIII-6C was adopted into the standard, with what was 
then considered to be sufficient lead time to enable manufacturers to 
become familiar with the dummy. As noted earlier, the compliance date 
for the mandatory use of the HIII-6C dummy was originally August 1, 
2005. It had since been extended to August 1, 2010.\34\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \34\ 73 FR 45355, supra.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The agency has again closely examined the performance of the HIII-
6C in the FMVSS No. 213 environment, in light of the testing NHTSA 
conducted in response to Anton's Law and the agency's current efforts 
to develop dummy positioning procedures for the Hybrid III ATDs in 
FMVSS No. 213. We continue to believe that the HIII-6C dummy is more 
biofidelic in its components than its predecessor the H2-6C, and that 
the HIII-6C also has more extensive instrumentation to measure impact 
responses such as forces, accelerations, moments and deflections, which 
are crucial in evaluating vehicle occupant protection systems.\35\ Some 
CRS manufacturers have found the HIII-6C to be a satisfactory test 
instrument and are using the dummy to certify the compliance of their 
CRSs to FMVSS No. 213. These manufacturers are positioning the ATD and 
measuring HIC as currently required by FMVSS No. 213, while positioning 
the ATD in accordance with FMVSS No. 213 (whose positioning procedure 
is similar to the UMTRI procedure).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \35\ FMVSS No. 208, ``Occupant crash protection,'' uses Hybrid 
III dummies, including the HIII-6C dummy, in its compliance tests. 
The HIII-6C has been suitable for FMVSS No. 208 testing because the 
test environment for that standard is different than the FMVSS No. 
213 environment, due to the presence of the air bag.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    While the HIII-6C is being used to an extent today, NHTSA believes 
it would be prudent to undertake efforts to improve the HIII-6C dummy 
to make it more useful as an FMVSS No. 213 test device before testing 
child restraints solely with this ATD. The Hybrid III 6-year-old dummy 
has a softer neck than the H2-6C, which results in slightly greater 
head excursion results and larger HIC values (chin-to-chest contact) 
than the H2-6C. This, coupled with the stiff thorax of the HIII-6C 
dummy, accentuates the HIC values recorded by the dummy. Several 
measures are underway to improve the Hybrid III dummy (see discussion 
later in this preamble). Until such time the HIII-6C is improved, we 
believe that FMVSS No. 213 should permit NHTSA to allow manufacturers 
the option of specifying that NHTSA use either the H2-6C or the HIII-6C 
dummy to test their child restraints.
    This proposal seeks to change little if any of the current 
requirements of FMVSS No. 213 that specify testing with the HIII-6C 
dummy. When the HIII-6C is used, it would be used to measure the injury 
criteria and other performance measures currently specified in S5 of 
FMVSS No. 213 for evaluating child restraint systems as it is used 
today. As explained below, we are proposing using the UMTRI positioning 
procedure for the HIII-6C in belt-positioning seats rather than the 
procedure proposed by the January 23, 2008 SNPRM. We emphasize that the 
UMTRI procedure is very similar to the current FMVSS No. 213 procedure 
used for the HIII-6C. As such, the agency intends to make no 
substantive change to the FMVSS No. 213 requirements now applicable to 
CRSs tested with the HIII-6C.
    Because there is an August 1, 2010 date specified in S7.1.3 of 
FMVSS No. 213 for the mandatory use of the HIII-6C, NHTSA is providing 
a 30-day comment period for this aspect of the proposal.

V. UMTRI Positioning Procedure for the HIII-6C

    We are proposing to adopt the UMTRI positioning procedure for the 
HIII-6C dummy in BPB seats rather than the procedure proposed by the 
January 23, 2008 SNPRM for many of the reasons explained above for the 
HIII-10C dummy. That is, the UMTRI procedure results in the HIII-6C 
being positioned in a posture that is substantially more representative 
of how a child would be positioned in the BPB seat than the procedure 
of the 2008 SNPRM. Our test data, discussed below, indicates that the 
HIII-6C dummy positioned according to the UMTRI procedure would yield

[[Page 71658]]

repeatable ATD readings for determining compliance with FMVSS No. 213's 
requirements.
    To assess the UMTRI procedure with the HIII-6C dummy, we tested two 
different BPB models using the UMTRI procedure and the HIII-6C dummy. 
Each of the two BPB seats was tested three times. A third BPB seat was 
evaluated with one test. The BPBs seats were selected so as to enable 
comparison with previously-conducted tests using the January 23, 2008 
SNPRM-proposed procedure.
    Results of this repeatability assessment are shown below in Table 
3. These data show that the chest acceleration and head and knee 
excursions of the ATD had good repeatability, with coefficient of 
variation (C.V.) values lower than 10 percent. The only measure showing 
a C.V. higher than 10 percent was HIC caused by the chin-to-chest 
contact interaction. Table 3 also compares the average computed torso 
angles, HIC, chest acceleration, head excursion and knee excursion of 
the HIII-6C dummy for each BPB design tested multiple times using the 
UMTRI procedure and the SNPRM procedure with a 14 degree torso angle. 
All tests were performed at a speed differential of 48 km/h (30 mph).

                                                    Table 3--NHTSA Sled Tests Results for HIII-6C 36
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         HIC ms    3 ms. chest      Head         Knee
                                                                                           Computed  -------------   acc. (g)    excursion    excursion
               Restraint                         Test No.          Seating proc. method  torso angle                                (mm)         (mm)
                                                                                            (deg)         1000    --------------------------------------
                                                                                                                        60          813          915
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Safety 1st Apex 65....................  UMTRI....................  Avg.                       24.9        834           45.5        562          755
                                                                   S.D.                        0.9         89.7          1.87        11.3         18.4
                                                                   C.V.                        3.7%        10.8%         4.1%         2.0%         2.4%
                                        SNPRM 14 deg.............  Avg.                       14.6        525           48.1        527          667
                                                                   S.D.                        0.6         65.1          1.00        12.7         24.0
                                                                   C.V.                        4.2%        12.4%         2.1%         2.4%         3.6%
Britax Parkway........................  UMTRI....................  Avg.                       20.6       1144           52.9        501          689
                                                                   S.D.                        2.5         87.0          2.87        15.4          8.5
                                                                   C.V.                       12.3%         7.6%         5.4%         3.1%         1.2%
                                        SNPRM 14 deg.............  Avg.                       14.2        463           55.7        546          661
                                                                   S.D.                        0.3         52.9          2.42         7.2         12.9
                                                                   C.V.                        2.1%        11.4%         4.3%         1.3%         1.9%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As discussed previously, the UMTRI procedure is very similar to the 
current procedure now used in FMVSS No. 213 to position the HIII-6C. In 
the agency's view, this SNPRM would make no notable change to any 
substantive provision in the standard relating to the HIII-6C ATD. We 
believe there is insufficient need to undertake such a change. 
Manufacturers now using the ATD to certify compliance with FMVSS No. 
213 are measuring and assessing HIC. They should continue to do so 
without change. NHTSA believes that the HIC criterion should not be 
suspended for CRSs tested with the HIII-6C, since NHTSA does not 
believe there is good reason to reduce the stringency of the current 
requirements of FMVSS No. 213 for CRSs tested with the HIII-6C test 
dummy. Comments are requested on this issue.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \36\ Results from tests using SNPRM procedure reported in 
Stammen, J., Sullivan, L., ``Development of a Hybrid III 6 Yr. Old 
and 10 Yr. Old Dummy Seating Procedure for Booster Seat Testing,'' 
January 2008, Docket NHTSA-2007-0048.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

VI. Other Applications of the UMTRI Procedure

    NHTSA also seeks comment on whether the UMTRI procedure should be 
used in FMVSS No. 213 to position other ATDs used in the standard. 
Would having a single dummy positioning procedure simplify the test 
procedures and make the standard easier to understand? The proposed 
regulatory text does not specify that the UMTRI procedure is used to 
position the H2-6C dummy in BPB seats. We have not used the UMTRI 
procedure with the Hybrid II dummy. However, we tentatively believe the 
UMTRI procedure could be used with the H2-6C dummy, since the procedure 
is very similar to the current dummy positioning procedure used with 
the H2-6C. For the sake of simplicity, it appears advantageous to use 
the same procedure for all BPB, no matter what dummy is used.
    The proposed regulatory text specifies that the current FMVSS No. 
213 dummy positioning procedure (set forth in S10.2.2) would be used 
for the H2-6C, the HIII weighted 6-year-old, the HIII-6C in child 
restraints other than BPB seats, and the HIII-10C in child restraints 
other than BPB seats. The UMTRI-based positioning procedure is set 
forth in proposed S10.2.3. For the convenience of the reader, the 
following Table 4 shows which positioning procedure would apply in 
tests of CRSs with the ATDs:

          Table 4--Applicable Positioning Procedure (Proposed)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Child restraint     Position  dummy in
             Dummy                    tested          accordance with:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hybrid III 3-year-old (Subpart  All child          S10.2.2
 P*).                            restraints.
Hybrid II 6-year-old (Subpart   All child          S10.2.2
 I).                             restraints.
Hybrid III 6-year-old (Subpart  Belt-positioning   S10.2.3
 N).                             seats.
                                All other child    S10.2.2
                                 restraints.
Hybrid III Weighted 6-year-old  All child          S10.2.2
 (Subpart S).                    restraints.
Hybrid III 10-year-old          Belt-positioning   S10.2.3
 (Proposed Subpart T).           seats.

[[Page 71659]]

 
                                All other child    S10.2.2
                                 restraints.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* All subparts in this table are to 49 CFR part 572.

VII. Other Proposals

a. Using the HIII-10C To Test a CRS on LATCH

    In its comment,\37\ the Alliance requested that ``NHTSA should make 
it clear that it will not use the LATCH anchorages when conducting 
compliance tests of CRSs using the 10-year-old dummy.'' The commenter 
explained:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \37\ Docket No. NHTSA-2007-0048-0008, page 7.

    When NHTSA adopted FMVSS No. 225, ``Child restraint anchorage 
systems,'' and made corresponding changes to FMVSS No. 213 to 
require CRSs to comply with that standard when tested utilizing 
Lower Anchorage and Tethers for Children (LATCH) anchorages, the 
LATCH systems in vehicles were intended for use by children up to 48 
pounds. No vehicle manufacturer recommends the use of LATCH anchors 
with children that even approach the weight of the 10-year-old 
dummy. And although some CRS manufacturers are offering harness-
equipped CRSs that are recommended for use by children that weigh up 
to 65 pounds, it is the Alliance's understanding that they 
explicitly instruct parents and caregivers to use the vehicle belts 
rather than the LATCH anchorages when using such a CRS with a child 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
that weighs more than 50 pounds.

    The Alliance was concerned that under the SNPRM's proposed changes, 
the agency could test, using LATCH attachments and an HIII-10C dummy, a 
harness-equipped CRS recommended for use with children weighing more 
than 65 lb (29.5 kg). The Alliance stated:

    The consequences of using LATCH anchorages to restrain harnessed 
children who weigh up to 65 pounds is the subject of a study 
currently being conducted by a Working Group consisting of members 
of the Alliance, the Association of International Automobile 
Manufacturers (AIAM), and the Juvenile Products Manufacturers 
Association (JPMA). Unless and until NHTSA and the industry can 
confirm that the use of LATCH anchorages with heavier children does 
not create an unsafe situation, the Alliance urges the agency to 
clarify that it will not use the LATCH anchorages when conducting 
compliance tests of harness equipped CRSs using the 10-year-old 
dummy.

    Agency Response: We agree that this point has merit. In specifying 
the strength requirement of FMVSS No. 225 (the LATCH standard), NHTSA 
based the requirement on a calculation of the forces that the agency 
believed the LATCH system should reasonably be required to withstand in 
a crash.\38\ The calculation assumed a child mass of 65 lb (29.5 kg) 
(68 FR at 38218). NHTSA also noted its belief that LATCH systems ``can 
best be optimized by focusing on the masses generated by children in 
child restraints and not by adding to the burden of the LATCH system 
the goal of restraining older passengers as well.'' 68 FR at 38220. We 
also confirm that our understanding is that CRS manufacturers generally 
instruct consumers to use the vehicle seat belt system rather than the 
LATCH anchorages when using their harness-equipped CRSs with a child 
weighing more than 65 lb.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \38\ Final rule, response to petitions for reconsideration of 
LATCH final rule, 68 FR 38208, June 27, 2003, Docket NHTSA-2003-
15438-0001.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Accordingly, we propose specifying in FMVSS No. 213 that a CRS 
tested with the HIII-10C test dummy would not be tested with the LATCH 
system. However, to reduce the likelihood that a consumer may use this 
type of CRS with LATCH when restraining a heavier child, this SNPRM 
proposes to require CRSs recommended for children of a weight range 
that includes children weighing over 65 lb (29.5 kg), to be labeled 
with an instruction to the consumer to use the vehicle's seat belts to 
attach the CRS, and not the LATCH system, when restraining a child 
weighing more than 65 lb (29.5 kg). NHTSA tentatively believes that 
this warning is needed since the performance of the CRS with LATCH 
would not be assessed under FMVSS No. 213 with the HIII-10C test dummy 
under this proposal. CRS manufacturers would be prohibited from stating 
that the CRS can be used with LATCH when restraining children weighing 
more than 65 lb (29.5 kg).
    While we acknowledge that a label may not mitigate all misuse 
situations due to caregivers not reading the CRS labels and instruction 
manuals, we believe this proposal is better than having the CRS 
manufacturer recommend LATCH use for children weighing more than 65 lb 
(29.5 kg), as is currently permitted. However, we are seeking comment 
on this issue. Specifically, we request information on:
    <bullet> Would the proposed label be effective at preventing 
misuse? Are there better strategies?
    <bullet> Is it feasible to design CRSs such that LATCH could only 
be used less when using the CRS with children weighing less than 65 lb 
(29.5 kg)?
    We note that with regard to CRSs recommended for children weighing 
less than 65 lb (29.5 kg), under FMVSS No. 213, such CRSs may be tested 
by NHTSA with the LATCH system or with the belt system, at NHTSA's 
option. NHTSA may select the ATDs used to test the child restraint in 
accordance with S7 of the standard, and may choose to use LATCH or the 
belt system, notwithstanding any statements by the CRS manufacturer as 
to the children for whom the CRS is recommended or how the CRS should 
be attached to the vehicle seat. Comments are requested on the label's 
reference to the 65 lb (29.5 kg) threshold.

b. CRSs Must Be Capable of Fitting the ATD

    The January 23, 2008 SNPRM requested comments on whether FMVSS No. 
213 should expressly require that each child restraint system must be 
capable of fitting the test dummy that is specified in S7 of the 
standard to evaluate the CRS. NHTSA asked: ``For example, if the CRS 
were recommended for use by children weighing more than 30 kg (65 lb), 
should the standard specify that the CRS must be capable of fitting and 
being tested with the HIII-10C dummy?'' 73 FR at 3908.
    NHTSA received only JPMA's comment on this issue.\39\ In its 
comment, JPMA stated: ``CRS Manufacturers agree that child restraints 
should be designed to accommodate the ATD with which they will be 
tested based on the use recommendations with respect to seat back 
height relative to head [center of gravity], internal width, and 
adjustments to the shoulder belt. However an explicit fit test is not 
required as the BPB absolutely must be capable of accommodating the 
ATDs set

[[Page 71660]]

forth in S7.1.2 of FMVSS 213.'' (Emphasis in text.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \39\ Docket No. NHTSA-2007-0048-0012, page 11.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Agency Response: We have decided not to propose amending FMVSS No. 
213 to expressly require each child restraint system be able to fit the 
test dummy specified in S7 of the standard that is used by NHTSA to 
test the CRS. As stated by JPMA, manufacturers conduct dynamic sled 
tests using the appropriate dummies based on their weight and height 
specifications in S7.1.2 of FMVSS No. 213. Therefore, manufacturers are 
already ensuring that the CRSs accommodate/fit the appropriate child 
dummies, which makes the need for a fit requirement unnecessary.

c. Housekeeping

    This SNPRM proposes to amend S10.2.1 of FMVSS No. 213 by removing 
reference to the 9-month-old dummy in that section. The 9-month-old 
test dummy is no longer used in the standard's compliance tests. The 
section would also be amended to add reference to the 12-month-old test 
dummy in the heading of S10.2.1.

VIII. Research Plans

    The agency has a three-phase research plan to improve the 
capability of the ATDs to assess BPB seats and other types of CRSs.

Phase I: Enhancement of Current HIII-6C and 10C Dummies (2013 
timeframe)

    NHTSA is planning near-term upgrades to the HIII-6C and HIII-10C 
dummies. NHTSA is working with the SAE Dummy Abdomen and Pelvis Round 
Robin task group to develop a HIII-6C dummy retrofit package, 
consisting of a more biofidelic instrumented abdominal insert, a pelvis 
with improved anthropometry, and a revised chest jacket. The agency 
believes there is potential for this type of retrofit package to be 
implemented into the HIII-10C dummy during this timeframe as well. In 
addition, NHTSA plans to implement updates which may include revisions 
to the shoulder, thoracic spine, and neck of the HIII-6C and HIII-10C 
dummies. The objective of the updates will be to improve the 
biofidelity of the kinematics for the restrained HIII-6C and HIII-10C 
dummies. Existing sled test and injury information together with 
modeling will be used to define the biofidelity/design requirements of 
the planned updates.

Phase II: New Biofidelity Response Data (2012 timeframe)

    While Phase I is directed toward enhancements of the current HIII-
6C and HIII-10C designs, Phase II encompasses research to generate 
improved response data from the head, neck, thorax, abdomen, and pelvis 
for future child dummies. A number of experimental and modeling studies 
funded by both NHTSA and non-NHTSA sources are in progress at a number 
of institutions to develop this information. These studies include: (a) 
component and whole body dynamic experiments to generate response 
targets and injury criteria; (b) investigations of static range of 
motion, anthropometry, and mass/inertial properties; and (c) use of 
finite element and multi-body modeling to develop biofidelity response 
requirements for new dummies. Some of the research will support both 
interim work to support incremental improvements of the HIII-6C and 
HIII-10C dummies (Phase I) and the development of all new child dummies 
(Phase III).

Phase III: Prototype Evaluations of New Child Dummies (2015 timeframe)

    The final portion of this research plan includes design, 
development, and evaluation of new prototype 3-, 6-, and 10-year-old 
frontal child dummies. NHTSA plans to collaborate with SAE and others 
in this effort. It is anticipated that conceptual designs of the new 
prototype dummies could be initiated shortly after biomechanical 
response data is available in the 2013-2015 timeframe.

IX. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    This rulemaking document was not reviewed by the Office of 
Management and Budget under E.O. 12866. It is not considered to be 
significant under E.O. 12866 or the Department's Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979). The August 31, 2005 
NPRM provided a discussion of the costs associated with the proposed 
incorporation of the HIII-10C dummy into FMVSS No. 213. The agency 
stated in the NPRM that the costs are largely attributable to the 
expense of an instrumented HIII-10C dummy. The 2004 price of an 
uninstrumented 10-year-old dummy is about $36,550. The specified 
instrumentation costs approximately $59,297. The NPRM and this SNPRM do 
not require manufacturers to use any test dummy in certifying their 
child restraints. Rather, this rulemaking proposes changes to how NHTSA 
would conduct compliance testing under FMVSS No. 213. The minimal 
impacts of today's proposal do not warrant preparation of a regulatory 
evaluation.
    We are unable to quantify the benefits of this rulemaking. However, 
the agency believes this rulemaking would enhance the safety of child 
restraint systems by facilitating the dynamic assessment of BPB and 
other CRSs for older children. The dummy positioning procedures 
proposed by this SNPRM are more lifelike than the procedures published 
in the January 23, 2008 SNPRM. The result of this proposed rule would 
be to provide better assurance that each child restraint fits and 
restrains the children for whom the restraint is recommended.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., 
as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act 
(SBREFA) of 1996) whenever an agency is required to publish a notice of 
rulemaking for any proposed or final rule, it must prepare and make 
available for public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis that 
describes the effect of the rule on small entities (i.e., small 
businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions), 
unless the head of an agency certifies the rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
I certify that this proposed rule, if adopted, would not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
The reasons underlying this certification are discussed in the August 
31, 2005 NPRM. This SNPRM would not increase the testing that NHTSA 
conducts of child restraints. The SNPRM addresses dummy positioning 
procedures and generally would not have any significant impact on the 
testing performed on child restraints. Manufacturers currently must 
certify their products to the dynamic test of Standard No. 213. They 
typically provide the basis for those certifications by dynamically 
testing their products using child test dummies. The effect of this 
SNPRM on most child restraints would be to specify procedures that 
NHTSA would take in positioning the HIII 6-year-old and HIII-10C 
dummies. Testing child restraints using the procedures is not expected 
to affect the pass/fail rate of the restraints significantly.

National Environmental Policy Act

    NHTSA has analyzed this proposed rule for the purposes of the 
National Environmental Policy Act and determined that it would not have 
any significant impact on the quality of the human environment.

[[Page 71661]]

Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)

    NHTSA has examined today's proposal pursuant to Executive Order 
13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999) and concluded that no additional 
consultation with States, local governments or their representatives is 
mandated beyond the rulemaking process. The agency has concluded that 
the rulemaking would not have sufficient federalism implications to 
warrant consultation with State and local officials or the preparation 
of a federalism summary impact statement. The proposed rule would not 
have ``substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship 
between the national government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.''
    NHTSA rules can preempt in two ways. First, the National Traffic 
and Motor Vehicle Safety Act contains an express preemption provision: 
``When a motor vehicle safety standard is in effect under this chapter, 
a State or a political subdivision of a State may prescribe or continue 
in effect a standard applicable to the same aspect of performance of a 
motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment only if the standard is 
identical to the standard prescribed under this chapter.'' 49 U.S.C. 
30103(b)(1). It is this statutory command by Congress that preempts any 
non-identical State legislative and administrative law addressing the 
same aspect of performance.
    The express preemption provision set forth above is subject to a 
savings clause under which ``[c]ompliance with a motor vehicle safety 
standard prescribed under this chapter does not exempt a person from 
liability at common law.'' 49 U.S.C. 30103(e) Pursuant to this 
provision, State common law tort causes of action against motor vehicle 
manufacturers that might otherwise be preempted by the express 
preemption provision are generally preserved. However, the Supreme 
Court has recognized the possibility, in some instances, of implied 
preemption of such State common law tort causes of action by virtue of 
NHTSA's rules, even if not expressly preempted. This second way that 
NHTSA rules can preempt is dependent upon there being an actual 
conflict between an FMVSS and the higher standard that would 
effectively be imposed on motor vehicle manufacturers if someone 
obtained a State common law tort judgment against the manufacturer, 
notwithstanding the manufacturer's compliance with the NHTSA standard. 
Because most NHTSA standards established by an FMVSS are minimum 
standards, a State common law tort cause of action that seeks to impose 
a higher standard on motor vehicle manufacturers will generally not be 
preempted. However, if and when such a conflict does exist--for 
example, when the standard at issue is both a minimum and a maximum 
standard--the State common law tort cause of action is impliedly 
preempted. See Geier v. American Honda Motor Co., 529 U.S. 861 (2000).
    Pursuant to Executive Order 13132 and 12988, NHTSA has considered 
whether this proposal could or should preempt State common law causes 
of action. The agency's ability to announce its conclusion regarding 
the preemptive effect of one of its rules reduces the likelihood that 
preemption will be an issue in any subsequent tort litigation.
    To this end, the agency has examined the nature (e.g., the language 
and structure of the regulatory text) and objectives of today's 
proposal and finds that this proposal, like many NHTSA rules, 
prescribes only a minimum safety standard. As such, NHTSA does not 
intend that this proposal preempt state tort law that would effectively 
impose a higher standard on motor vehicle manufacturers than that 
established by today's proposal. Establishment of a higher standard by 
means of State tort law would not conflict with the minimum standard 
proposed here. Without any conflict, there could not be any implied 
preemption of a State common law tort cause of action.
    We solicit the comments of the States and other interested parties 
on this assessment of issues relevant to E.O. 13132.

Civil Justice Reform

    With respect to the review of the promulgation of a new regulation, 
section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988, ``Civil Justice Reform'' (61 FR 
4729, February 7, 1996) requires that Executive agencies make every 
reasonable effort to ensure that the regulation: (1) Clearly specifies 
the preemptive effect; (2) clearly specifies the effect on existing 
Federal law or regulation; (3) provides a clear legal standard for 
affected conduct, while promoting simplification and burden reduction; 
(4) clearly specifies the retroactive effect, if any; (5) adequately 
defines key terms; and (6) addresses other important issues affecting 
clarity and general draftsmanship under any guidelines issued by the 
Attorney General. This document is consistent with that requirement.
    Pursuant to this Order, NHTSA notes as follows. The issue of 
preemption is discussed above in connection with E.O. 13132. NHTSA 
notes further that there is no requirement that individuals submit a 
petition for reconsideration or pursue other administrative proceeding 
before they may file suit in court.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, a person is not required 
to respond to a collection of information by a Federal agency unless 
the collection displays a valid control number from the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB). This proposed rule would not establish any 
requirements that are considered to be information collection 
requirements as defined by the OMB in 5 CFR part 1320.

National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act

    Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement 
Act of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272) 
directs NHTSA to use voluntary consensus standards in its regulatory 
activities unless doing so would be inconsistent with applicable law or 
otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical 
standards (e.g., materials specifications, test methods, sampling 
procedures, and business practices) that are developed or adopted by 
voluntary consensus standards bodies, such as the SAE. The NTTAA 
directs NHTSA to provide Congress, through OMB, explanations when the 
agency decides not to use available and applicable voluntary consensus 
standards.
    The agency did not find any voluntary consensus standards 
applicable to this proposed rulemaking. However, we note that the dummy 
positioning procedures proposed by this SNPRM were developed by a 
research organization to use in testing CRSs and appear to be supported 
by commenters from the child restraint manufacturing industry.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), 
Public Law 104-4, Federal requires agencies to prepare a written 
assessment of the costs, benefits, and other effects of proposed or 
final rules that include a Federal mandate likely to result in the 
expenditure by State, local, or tribal governments, in the aggregate, 
or by the private sector, of more than $100 million annually (adjusted 
for inflation with base year of 1995). (Adjusting this amount by the 
implicit gross domestic product price deflator for the year 2000 
increases it to $109 million.) This SNPRM would not result in a cost of 
$109 million or more to either State,

[[Page 71662]]

local, or tribal governments, in the aggregate, or the private sector. 
Thus, this SNPRM is not subject to the requirements of section 202 of 
the UMRA.

Plain Language

    Executive Order 12866 requires each agency to write all rules in 
plain language. Application of the principles of plain language 
includes consideration of the following questions:
    <bullet> Have we organized the material to suit the public's needs?
    <bullet> Are the requirements in the rule clearly stated?
    <bullet> Does the rule contain technical language or jargon that 
isn't clear?
    <bullet> Would a different format (grouping and order of sections, 
use of headings, paragraphing) make the rule easier to understand?
    <bullet> Would more (but shorter) sections be better?
    <bullet> Could we improve clarity by adding tables, lists, or 
diagrams?
    <bullet> What else could we do to make the rule easier to 
understand?
    If you have any responses to these questions, please include them 
in your comments on this proposal.

Regulation Identifier Number

    The Department of Transportation assigns a regulation identifier 
number (RIN) to each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of 
Federal Regulations. The Regulatory Information Service Center 
publishes the Unified Agenda in April and October of each year. You may 
use the RIN contained in the heading at the beginning of this document 
to find this action in the Unified Agenda.

X. Public Participation

How do I prepare and submit comments?

    Your comments must be written and in English. To ensure that your 
comments are filed correctly in the docket, please include the docket 
identification number of this document in your comments.
    Your comments must not be more than 15 pages long. (49 CFR 553.21) 
NHTSA established this limit to encourage you to write your primary 
comments in a concise fashion. However, you may attach necessary 
additional documents to your comments. There is no limit on the length 
of the attachments.
    Please note that pursuant to the Data Quality Act, in order for 
substantive data to be relied upon and used by the agency, it must meet 
the information quality standards set forth in the OMB and DOT Data 
Quality Act guidelines. Accordingly, we encourage you to consult the 
guidelines in preparing your comments. OMB's guidelines may be accessed 
at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/fedreg/reproducible.html.

How do I submit confidential business information?

    If you wish to submit any information under a claim of 
confidentiality, you should submit three copies of your complete 
submission, including the information you claim to be confidential 
business information, to the Chief Counsel, NHTSA, at the address given 
above under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. In addition, you should 
submit a copy, from which you have deleted the claimed confidential 
business information, to the docket at the address given above under 
ADDRESSES. When you send a comment containing information claimed to be 
confidential business information, you should include a cover letter 
setting forth the information specified in NHTSA's confidential 
business information regulation (49 CFR part 512).

Will the agency consider late comments?

    NHTSA will consider all comments received before the close of 
business on the comment closing date indicated above under DATES. To 
the extent possible, the agency will also consider comments that the 
docket receives after that date. If the docket receives a comment too 
late for the agency to consider it in developing a final rule (assuming 
that one is issued), the agency will consider that comment as an 
informal suggestion for future rulemaking action.

How can I read the comments submitted by other people?

    You may read the comments received by the docket at the address 
given above under ADDRESSES. The hours of the docket are indicated 
above in the same location. You may also read the comments on the 
internet.
    Please note that even after the comment closing date, NHTSA will 
continue to file relevant information in the docket as it becomes 
available. Further, some people may submit late comments. Accordingly, 
the agency recommends that you periodically check the docket for new 
material. You can arrange with the docket to be notified when others 
file comments in the docket. See http://www.regulations.gov for more 
information.
    Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments 
received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf 
of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's 
complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on 
April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78).

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 571

    Imports, Motor vehicle safety, Motor vehicles, and Tires.

    In consideration of the foregoing, NHTSA proposes to amend 49 CFR 
part 571 as set forth below.

PART 571--FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS

    1. The authority citation for part 571 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 322, 30111, 30115, 30117 and 30166; 
delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.50.

    2. Section 571.213 is amended by:
    a. Adding S5(e);
    b. Revising S5.3.2 (and the table for S5.3.2);
    c. Revising S5.5.2(g)(1)(ii);
    d. Adding S5.6.1.12;
    e. Revising S6.1.2(a)(1)(ii), S6.1.2(d)(2)(i) and (ii), S7.1.3, the 
heading and the introductory text of S10.2.1;
    f. Removing and reserving S9.1(b), S10.2.1(a) and S10.2.1(b)(1);
    g. Revising the first sentence of S10.2.1(b)(2), the introductory 
text of S10.2.1(c)(1)(i), and the heading and the introductory text of 
S10.2.2; and,
    h. Adding S10.2.3 and Figure 13.
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  571.213  Standard No. 213; Child restraint systems.

* * * * *
    S5 * * *
    (e) Each child restraint system tested with a part 572 subpart T 
dummy need not meet S5.1.2.1(a).
* * * * *
    S5.3.2 Means of installation.
    S5.3.2.1 Except as provided in S5.3.2.2, each add-on child 
restraint system shall be capable of meeting the requirements of this 
standard when installed solely by each of the means indicated in the 
following table for the particular type of child restraint system:

[[Page 71663]]



                                               Table for S5.3.2.1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Means of installation
                                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Type 1  seat
                                                              belt
   Type of add-on child restraint system    Type 1  seat    assembly        Child        Type II
                                                belt         plus a       restraint     seat belt     Seat back
                                              assembly       tether       anchorage     assembly        mount
                                                           anchorage,      system
                                                            if needed
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harnesses labeled per S5.3.1(b)(1) through  ............  ............  ............  ............            X
 S5.3.1(b)(3) and Figure 12...............
Other harnesses...........................  ............            X   ............  ............  ............
Car beds..................................            X   ............  ............  ............  ............
Rear-facing restraints....................            X   ............            X   ............  ............
Belt-positioning seats....................  ............  ............  ............            X   ............
All other child restraints................            X             X             X   ............  ............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    S5.3.2.2 A child restraint system tested with the part 572 subpart 
T (Hybrid III 10-year-old child) dummy is excluded from the requirement 
in S5.3.2.1 to meet the requirements of this standard when installed by 
means of a child restraint anchorage system.
* * * * *
    S5.5.2 * * *
    (g)(1) * * *
    (ii) ``Secure this child restraint with the vehicle's child 
restraint anchorage system (LATCH system) (except when used with a 
child weighing more than 65 lb), or with a vehicle belt.'' [For car 
beds, harnesses, and belt-positioning boosters, the first part of the 
statement regarding attachment by the child restraint anchorage system 
is optional. For belt positioning boosters, the second part of the 
statement regarding attachment by the vehicle belt does not apply.] 
Child restraint systems equipped with components to attach to a child 
restraint anchorage system and recommended for children of a weight 
range that includes children weighing over 65 lb (29.5 kg) must be 
labeled with the following statement: ``Do not use the child restraint 
anchorage system (LATCH system) to attach this child restraint when 
restraining a child weighing more than 65 pounds.''
* * * * *
    S5.6.1.12 The instructions for child restraint systems equipped 
with components to attach to a child restraint anchorage system and 
recommended for children of a weight range that includes children 
weighing over 65 pounds (29.5 kg) must include the following statement: 
``Do not use the child restraint anchorage system (LATCH system) to 
attach this child restraint when restraining a child weighing more than 
65 pounds.''
* * * * *
    S6.1.2 * * *
    (a)(1) * * *
    (ii) Belt-positioning seats. A belt-positioning seat is attached to 
either outboard seating position of the standard seat assembly in 
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions provided with the 
system pursuant to S5.6.1 using only the standard vehicle lap and 
shoulder belt and no tether (or any other supplemental device). Place 
the belt-positioning seat on the standard seat assembly such that the 
center plane of the belt-positioning seat is parallel and aligned to 
the center plane of the outboard seating positions on the standard seat 
assembly and the base of the belt-positioning seat is flat on the 
standard seat assembly cushion. Move the belt-positioning seat rearward 
on the standard seat assembly until some part of the belt-positioning 
seat touches the standard seat assembly back. Keep the belt-positioning 
seat and the seating position center plane aligned as much as possible. 
Apply 133 N (30 pounds) of force to the front of the belt-positioning 
seat rearward into the standard seat assembly.
* * * * *
    S6.1.2 * * *
    (d)(2) * * *
    (i) The lap portion of Type II belt systems used restrain the dummy 
is tightened to a tension of not less than 9 N (2 pounds) and not more 
than 18 N (4 pounds).
    (ii) The shoulder portion of Type II belt systems used to restrain 
the dummy is tightened to a tension of not less than 9 N (2 pounds) and 
not more than 18 N (4 pounds).
* * * * *
    S7.1.3 Voluntary use of alternative dummies. At the manufacturer's 
option (with said option irrevocably selected prior to, or at the time 
of, certification of the restraint), when this section specifies use of 
the 49 CFR part 572, subpart N test dummy (Hybrid III 6-year-old 
dummy), the test dummy specified in 49 CFR part 572, subpart I (Hybrid 
II 6-year-old dummy) may be used in place of the subpart N test dummy.
* * * * *
    S10.2.1 Newborn dummy and 12-month-old dummy. Position the test 
dummy according to the instructions for child positioning that the 
manufacturer provided with the system under S5.6.1 or S5.6.2, while 
conforming to the following:
* * * * *
    (2) When testing rear-facing child restraint systems, place the 
newborn or 12-month-old dummy in the child restraint system so that the 
back of the dummy torso contacts the back support surface of the 
system. * * *
    (c)(1)(i) When testing forward-facing child restraint systems, 
extend the arms of the 12-month-old test dummy as far as possible in 
the upward vertical direction. Extend the legs of the 12-month-old test 
dummy as far as possible in the forward horizontal direction, with the 
dummy feet perpendicular to the centerline of the lower legs. Using a 
flat square surface with an area of 2,580 square mm, apply a force of 
178 N, perpendicular to:
* * * * *
    S10.2.2 Other dummies generally. When using the: Hybrid III 3-year-
old (part 572, subpart P), Hybrid II 6-year-old (part 572, subpart I), 
Hybrid III 6-year-old (part 572, subpart N) in child restraints other 
than belt-positioning seats, the Hybrid III weighted 6-year-old (part 
572, subpart S), or the Hybrid III 10-year-old (part 572, subpart T) in 
child restraints other than belt-positioning seats, position the dummy 
in accordance with S5.6.1 or S5.6.2, while conforming to the following:
* * * * *
    S10.2.3 Hybrid III 6-year-old in belt-positioning seats and Hybrid 
III 10-year-old in belt-positioning seats. When using the Hybrid III 6-
year-old (part 572, subpart N) or the Hybrid III 10-year-old (part 572, 
subpart T) in belt-positioning seats, position the dummy in

[[Page 71664]]

accordance with S5.6.1 or S5.6.2, while conforming to the following:
    (a) Prepare the dummy with pelvis positioning pad and lap form.
    (1) Create an external horizontal coordinate system. Position the 
dummy such that the front and side of the lumbar adapter, or the square 
piece above the lumbar load cell if used, are parallel to the lateral 
(Y) and longitudinal (X) axes of the external coordinate system.
    (2) If necessary, adjust the limb joints to 1-2 g while the torso 
is in the seated position.
    (3) Apply double-sided tape to the surface of a lap form, which is 
a piece of translucent silicone rubber 3 mm thick (50A Durometer) cut 
to the pattern in Figure 13. Place the lap form on the pelvis of the 
dummy. Align the top of the lap form with the superior anterior edge of 
the pelvis skin. Attach the lap form to the dummy.
    (4) Apply double-sided tape to one side of a pelvis positioning 
pad, which is a 125 x 95 x 20 mm piece of foam or rubber with the 
following specifications: compression resistance between 13 to 17 psi 
in a compression-deflection test specified in ASTM D-1056-07, a maximum 
compression set of 25 percent after a 24 hour recovery time in a 
compression set test for a Type 2--Grade 4 material specified in ASTM 
D-1056-07, and a density of 9.5 to 12.5 lb/ft3. Center the long axis of 
the pad on the posterior of the pelvis with the top edge of the foam 
aligned with the superior edge of the pelvis skin. Attach the pelvis 
positioning pad to the dummy.
    (5) Dress and prepare the dummy according to S9.
    (b) Position the belt-positioning seat according to S6.1.2 
(a)(1)(ii).
    (c) Position the dummy in the belt-positioning seat.
    (1) Place the dummy on the seat cushion of the belt-positioning 
seat such that the plane of the posterior pelvis is parallel to the 
plane of the seat back of the belt-positioning seat, standard seat 
assembly or vehicle seat back, but not touching. Pick up and move the 
dummy rearward, maintaining the parallel planes, until the pelvis 
positioning pad and the back of the belt-positioning seat or test buck 
seat back, are in minimal contact.
    (2) Straighten and align the arm segments horizontally, then rotate 
the arms upward at the shoulder as far as possible without contacting 
the belt-positioning seat. Straighten and align the legs horizontally 
and extend the lower legs as far as possible in the forward horizontal 
direction, with the feet perpendicular to the centerline of the lower 
legs.
    (3) Using a flat square surface with an area of 2580 square 
millimeters, apply a force of 178 N (40 lb) perpendicular to:
    (i) The plane of the back of the belt-positioning seat, in the case 
of a belt-positioning seat with a back, or,
    (ii) The plane of the back of the standard seat assembly or vehicle 
seat, in the case of a backless belt-positioning seat or built-in 
booster.
    (iii) Apply the force first against the dummy crotch and then at 
the dummy thorax on the midsagittal plane of the dummy.
    (4) Rotate the arms of the dummy down so that they are 
perpendicular to the torso.
    (5) Bend the knees until the back of the lower legs are in minimal 
contact with the belt-positioning seat, standard seat assembly or 
vehicle seat. Position the legs such that the outer edges of the knees 
are 180 +/- 10 mm apart for the Hybrid III 6-year-old dummy and 220 +/- 
10 mm apart for the Hybrid III 10-year-old dummy. Position the feet 
such that the soles are perpendicular to the centerline of the lower 
legs. In the case of a belt-positioning seat with a back, adjust the 
dummy so that the shoulders are parallel to a line connecting the 
shoulder guides. This can be accomplished by leaning the torso such 
that the dummy's head and neck are centered on the backrest components 
of the belt-positioning seat. In case of a backless child restraint, 
adjust the dummy's torso so that the head is laterally level, or as 
close to level as possible.
    (d) Apply the belt.
    (1) Pull the lap belt webbing in a motion across the front of the 
dummy and belt-positioning seat to the area above the dummy's inboard 
foot, located on the inboard side of the belt-positioning seat.
    (2) Loosely route the lap and shoulder belts in accordance with the 
manufacturer's instruction using the belt-positioning guides and 
attachments, if available.
    (3) Adjust the belt between the inboard and outboard attachments or 
lower belt guides, if available, to hold the lap belt 15 centimeters 
(cm) out from the midsagittal line of the pelvis.
    (4) While holding the slack portion of the lap belt between the 
lower belt guides, pull the lap belt forward along the midsagittal 
plane of the pelvis to a position 20 +/- 10 mm above the top surface of 
the thighs, grasp the torso portion of the belt above the inboard belt 
attachment and slowly pull upward in the direction of the shoulder belt 
path until the lap belt has no slack.
    (5) Apply lap belt tension according to S6.1.2(d)(2)(i).
    (6) Feed the excess belt into the shoulder belt attachment or 
retractor and position the section of the shoulder belt between the 
upper attachment/guide and the lower attachment/guide so that the belt 
routes through the shortest path between the two locations.
    (7) Apply shoulder belt tension according to S6.1.2(d)(2)(ii).
    (e) Dummy final positioning.
    (1) Check the leg, feet, thorax and head positions and make any 
necessary adjustments to achieve the positions described in 
S10.2.3(c)(5). Position the legs, if necessary, so that the leg 
placement does not inhibit thorax movement in tests conducted under S6.
    (2) Rotate each dummy arm downwards in the plane parallel to the 
dummy's midsagittal plane until the arm contacts a surface of the child 
restraint system or the standard seat assembly, in the case of an add-
on system, or the specific vehicle shell or specific vehicle, in the 
case of a build-in system, as appropriate. Position the arms, if 
necessary, so that the arm placement does not inhibit torso or head 
movement in tests conducted under S6.
* * * * *
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P

[[Page 71665]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24NO10.389


    Issued on: November 12, 2010.
Nathaniel Beuse,
Acting Associate Administrator for Rulemaking.
[FR Doc. 2010-29545 Filed 11-23-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-C