Rubber fuel tank bladders to be tested on police cars

DEABORN, Mich. (June 26)—After meeting with Arizona's attorney general, Ford Motor Co. agreed June 25 to look at how it might further increase the safety of fuel tanks on its Crown Victoria Police Interceptors. Rubber bladder-lined fuel tanks will be among the solutions tested by Ford and an independent panel of experts from the military, racing and aviation industries. The bladders typically are used on racecars. The tests, which should begin immediately, will "recognize the unique police use of this vehicle," Ford said, and also will consider the role shielding and trunk packs could play in improving crashworthiness of the Interceptors. Controversy over the safety of the fuel tank on the police-issue Crown Victorias stems from the June 12 death of an Arizona police officer following the fiery crash of his squad car. He is reportedly the third Arizona officer killed in an explosive crash involving the cars since 1998, and the tenth officer nationwide since 1992.