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Compliance with
Industry Standards
and Regulations |
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| 1. |
How will
I know that the vehicle I purchase online will be compliant
with industry standards?
You will have to ask
the retailer. Recognized industry standards are administered
by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association.
You can ask your retailer or contact NMEDA at 1-800-833-0427..
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| 2. |
Will my
vehicle that I purchase online be compliant with Federal
Regulations?
Again, you will have to ask
the retailer. Key federal regulations for the adaptive
equipment industry are contained in the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). These regulations
govern issues such as fuel system integrity, occupant
protection and restraint systems (seat belts). Another
important set of federal regulations to ask the dealer
about is compliance with EPA emissions requirements,
including regulations applicable to the fuel tank.
Ask the seller about documentation verifying compliance.
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| 3. |
Does
conformance with federal regulations really make a difference?
Yes. Key federal regulations that
regulate the adaptive equipment industry fit into three
important categories: Crash Avoidance, Occupant Protection,
and Post-crash Protection. The crash avoidance regulations
relate to issues such as overloading a vehicle and
weight distribution which can affect the vehicle’s
ability to maneuver and stop properly. Occupant protection
regulations address issues such as the integrity of
seats, seatbelts, door retention components and air
bags. Post crash protection involves such issues
as fuel system safety and flammability. There are also
federal standards on wheelchair lifts and wheelchair
lift installation. Non-conformance with these regulations
can increase the likelihood that your vehicle may become
involved in an accident and that the passengers will
sustain substantial injuries.
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| 4. |
Is there
enforcement of federal regulations that prevents me from
purchasing a non-compliant vehicle?
Yes, but budget limitations hamper
federal agencies from doing as much enforcement as
they would like. Conformance to the FMVSS is on a “self-certification” basis
and there is limited oversight by the Federal Government.
This is an important reason why you have to get to
know the company from whom you are buying. Federal
enforcement often only occurs once a substantial number
of accidents occur and are reported to NHTSA.
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