Safety Advocates Hail Outgoing National Highway Administrator's Achievements

WASHINGTON, July 14 -- Following is a statement by Phil Haseltine, Executive Director of The Air Bag & Seat Belt Safety Campaign of The National Safety Council and President of the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety on today's announcement of NHTSA Administrator Jeffrey Runge's pending appointment to the Homeland Security Department:

"On behalf of the Air Bag & Seat Belt Safety Campaign of the National Safety Council and the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety, we wish Dr. Jeff Runge the best in his pending appointment to the Homeland Security Department. Their gain is our loss, as Dr. Runge has been a true advocate and leader for safety on our nation's roadways. Under his leadership, we have increased national seat belt use from 73 percent when he was appointed in 2001 to 80 percent today -- the highest level in U.S. history -- saving lives and countless injuries as a result. He kept the agency focused on research-based solutions to the nation's serious highway safety problems. The nation's streets and highways are safer because of his efforts. It's a natural progression that his skills would be tapped to ensure Americans' safety beyond our roadways.

"It is our hope that Dr. Runge's successor will demonstrate the same commitment and dedication, continuing to lead the agency toward implementing proven traffic safety measures that save lives and reduce injuries on our nation's roads."