NTSB CHAIRMAN TO SPEAK AT CHILD SAFETY EVENT

In recognition of National Safe Kids Week, Ellen Engleman, Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, will speak at a child safety seat fitting station event to be held at Fitzgerald Auto Mall in Rockville, Maryland on Thursday, May 8, 2003.

Child safety seat inspection stations were established as a result of an NTSB recommendation, H-99-01, that was on
the Most Wanted List and successfully removed in 2002. Fitting stations, such as the one offered on Thursday provide certified safety seat inspectors to assist parents and care givers in determining the right restraint for their child and to ensure that the seat is installed properly.

Currently 80% of child safety seats are installed incorrectly and 2 out of 3 children are using the wrong
safety restraint for their height and weight. "I'd like to thank Fitzgerald Auto Mall for hosting this event today. While we have made progress in this area of child safety, there is clearly work yet to be done," stated Chairman Engleman. "Fitting stations are a valuable resource to ensure that the seat is appropriate for the child and installed correctly. I encourage all automobile dealers to offer this important service to their customers and communities."

Chairman Engleman will visit the fitting station at 11:15 a.m. to observe the certified inspectors and is
expected to make her remarks at approximately 11:45.

Fitzgerald Auto Mall is located at 5501 Nicholson Lane, Rockville, Maryland.

Media Contact:  Lauren Peduzzi
                           (202) 314-6100