Many situations exist which establish expectations beyond the normal functional capabilities of even the most alert and physically fit driver. As long as crashes resulting from highway safety standards incompatible with normal driver performance are attributed to "driver error", no effort will be made to improve the situation. With the increased vehicle population of small cars, the problem of incompatibility has become more serious. It is recommended that the Secretary of Transportation adopt a five-part program to effect compatibility and thus improve safety. All standards, guidelines, and regulations affecting highway safety which are issued or endorsed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) should be reviewed for compatibility. A plan should be developed to resolve incompatibilities which will consider the driver and the projected vehicle population. Automakers should be urged and assisted in voluntarily resolving incompatibilities between their own vehicles and with highway safety hardware. DOT should take the lead to ensure compatibility of standards sponsored by government and by public organizations engaged in setting standards. A process should be implemented to ensure that future safety standards and regulations are coordinated and reviewed for compatibility.
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