• Clean and Safe Transportation



• Power to Protect: Regulatory Policy



• Consumer Protections




• Take Action!

Statement of Dave Cook

Ontario, Canada

March 23, 2004

My name is Dave Cook. I am 47 years old and live in Ontario, Canada. On December 3, 2002, I was driving my brand new Volvo S-40 on a four-lane highway in Canada when an 18-wheel transport truck jumped the median and its trailor jack-knifed, crushing my car. I invite you to go outside and take a look at what is left of my car. It is here today as a reminder of the force of the accident and to demonstrate that the design and structure of a vehicle can make all the difference for survival.

I was trapped inside for more than an hour after the rollover crash. My left leg was broken, I had three fractured ribs and a dislocated shoulder. I am a safety engineer by trade and I am thoroughly convinced, as you should be after looking at my car, that the side air curtain, which stayed inflated during the rollover, saved my life. Every safety feature in my car was utilized in this accident.

I am not trying to sell Volvos. I just want to say that this safety technology exists and should be mandatory in every vehicle on the road.

###

more resources

Because Public Citizen does not accept funds from corporations, professional associations or government agencies, we can remain independent and follow the truth wherever it may lead. But that means we depend on the generosity of concerned citizens like you for the resources to fight on behalf of the public interest. If you would like to help us in our fight, click here.