AGRSS Keynote Speaker Discusses NHTSA Regulations with AGRR Magazine

Noted auto safety expert Byron Bloch, keynote speaker for the 2006 AGRSS Conference, has appeared as an auto safety consultant on such television news programs as ABC News' "20/20," "Primetime Live" and "Nightline" as well as CBS News' "60 Minutes" and "Public Eye" and NBC News' "Dateline NBC." He has been a safety expert for 30 years, consulting and testifying in court cases regarding auto defects, and he is a court-qualified expert in auto safety design and vehicle crashworthiness and has testified at Congressional hearings and to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

He recently spoke with AGRR magazine about automotive safety and specifically the role of glass, including, his thoughts on insurance companies' coverage of corrosion repair during windshield replacement. The following is an excerpt from the interview, which will run in full in the next issue of AGRR.

AGRR: There is no aftermarket regulation by NHTSA. Is this a good or bad thing and why?

BB: That's a very interesting question. I think there needs to be involvement by NHTSA in the collision repair industry including window glazing. I think it needs to continue to look into this area and take a much stronger position. For example, the vehicles that we entrust our lives in every day on the road may deteriorate whether it's the seat belt, airbag system, glazing, adhesion, or other aspects of deterioration; and issue to be addresses is whether the repair work after an incident or accident has been safely and competently done. These are big issues and there is a lot of work yet to be done to be sure that a vehicle is repaired in every sense inclusive of the glazing.

Bloch will give the keynote address at the AGRSS Conference on Wednesday, November 1 at 9:15 a.m. at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The AGRSS Conference runs concurrently with the Auto Glass Expo @ NACE and several other key auto glass industry events. The deadline to pre-register is October 16. You may also register on site.

CLICK HERE for more information on the AGRSS Conference.

For more information about Byron Bloch and his work with automotive safety, visit his web site at www.AutoSafetyExpert.com.