Last year, under the banner of regulatory reform and in the name of economy, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rolled back the existing standard for auto bumpers from a 5-miles-per-hour no-damage standard to a 2,5-miles-per-hour norm. Eight automakers are sticking with the damage-resistant 5-mph bumpers on all their 1983 cars, according to the Washington Post. Two are switching to the weaker bumpers for all models; others are using them for some models, while still others have developed a modified bumper without indicating the level of protection, NHTSA maintained in 1982 that modifying the 5-mph standard would save the consumer money- both from the lower sticker price of the car and from decreased fuel costs over the life of the vehicle, Rep. Timothy E. Wirth, Colorado Democrat, said in a Congressional Record statement. While the verdict is not yet in on claimed fuel savings, a survey by Clarence Ditlow, executive secretary of the Center for Auto Safety, declares there is “no appreciable difference” in the sticker price of a car with 5 or 2.5 mph bumpers, according to Wirth. Purchasers of 1983 cars obviously have decisions to consider by way oi bumper costs and protection. Unfortunately they are pretty much on their own because NHTSA hasn’t published data for the public to review, leaving the task to groups such as the Center for Auto Safety, “Clearly,” says Wirth, “an unsuspecting car purchaser potentially can be getting less than he expects in bumper protection. Certainly the automobile companies aren’t advertising that some of their vehicles are equipped with poorer bumpers.” In 1982 Congress passed a bill funding Nl-lTSA’s program, including bumper standards. At that time, says Wirth, the Energy and Commerce Committee specifically requested the NHTSA keep the public informed on any change in the bumper program. It seems obligatory on the part of the safety agency to issue a report to consumers on the pros and cons and which bumper really is more cost-safety-effective to consumers. Anything that can help , the car buyers make informed decisions would be helpful. Wirth says that in any case, the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Consumer Protection, and Finance plans to monitor the effect of the new bumpers. It is hoped the panel will keep the public informed step by step.