John Oliver Moore

VOORHEESVILLE John Oliver Moore of Voorheesville, N.Y., died on January 31, 2003. All those who have survived or know of someone who has survived an automobile crash, can offer thanks to John and others who have made automobile travel significantly safer. Johns life work as a leader in aircraft and automobile crash injury research, human engineering and aircraft and automobile re-design has left behind a lasting legacy of safety across North America and around the world. He made fundamental contributions to the knowledge of what happens when aircraft and automobiles crash. His work enabled the redesign and aircraft and automobiles, most notably installation of seat belts and other safety features in cars. He also pioneered one of the original drinking driver re-education and intervention programs written later while at the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles. Those who had the pleasure of knowing John will remember his gift of gab, his love of a good story or joke, his enjoyment in visiting with others and his warmth, humor and insight into life. John was born in Warsaw, N.C. to Reverend and Mrs. Arthur Oliver Moore in 1915. He grew up the son of a Southern Baptist minister in North Carolina and Texas. After receiving his bachelor of science at Wake Forest College, N.C., he completed the first year of medical education at Wake Forest, followed by study in physiological chemistry at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. After being drafted in 1941, John was assigned to the Army Air Command Medical Corps. As warrant officer, he was given responsibility for instructing pilot trainees at Williams Field and Luke Field, Ariz., in flight physiology. He became involved in initial crash injury research, along with others seeking ways to lessen human damage created by the man and the machine equation. These efforts resulted in the re-design of air fighter planes, from the instrument panels and fuselage to better assist pilot function, to the installation of harness seat belts to increase pilot survival in crash situations. Between 1944 and 1951, as both an Air Force officer and a civilian, John continued his research as Chief of Crash Injury Research for the Directorate of Flight Safety Research, U.S. Air Force. His final association with aircraft safety work was with Republic Aviation, working on a contract for the Department of Defense from 1951-1953 at which time he joined the Cornell Medical College Crash Injury Project as director. During his eight year tenure, John led research teams structuring the research processes that collected and analyzed the initial information describing what happened to humans when their automobiles crashed. This research resulted eventually in the re-design of instrument panels eliminating sharp protruding objects, adding padding to dashboards, safety door locks, anti-lock brakes, creation and installation of safety glass in windows to minimize cuts, installation of seat belts and reconfiguration of automobile doors. John spend countless hours testifying before committees of United States Congress, the United States Senate and several state legislatures, as well as lobbying automobile manufactures to increase safety standards in their products. He also played a role in developing the next generation of leaders, among whom was Ralph Nader. Later, John became the director of research and development for the Department of Motor Vehicles of the State of New York, where he developed the first statewide program for the re-education of drinking drivers; this became a model for many other states in their efforts to reduce the dangers posed by drinking drivers. After his retirement in 1975, John served as an expert witness in automobile injury damage suits, including the first successful suit against a major American automobile manufacturer. During his lifetime, John Moore was a Fellow of the New York Academy of Science, a member of the Committee on Drugs and Alcohol of the National Safety Council, member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, member of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. He was invited to the White House Symposium on Motor Vehicle Injuries in 1956. In 1967, he received the Metropolitan Life Award for Merit for Research in Accident Prevention awarded by the National Safety Council. Johns family was important to him, especially in his later years when he had more time to enjoy the company of his children and grandchildren. In addition to his wife of 60 years, Elizabeth Louise Moore (nee Moore), he is survived by sons and daughters, Kate (Michael) Wheatley, Joan (Mike) Mount, Meredith Moore (Bruce Chamberlin), Lance (April Richardson) Moore, Martha (Ed) Awad, George (Jacquie) Moore, Hugh Moore and Laura (James) Sullivan, as well as 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. John remained active in his faith from childhood; his last home church was Knox Reformed Church in Knox, N.Y. He was also an active member in the Kiwanis Club of the Heldebergs. As well, after his retirement he developed further his interest in gardening, with a particular affection for his dahlias. A memorial service celebrating Johns life will be held at Knox Reformed Church, Knox on Saturday, February 8, 2003 at 11 a.m. and will be followed by a tea in the church hall at which all friends and family are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Knox Reformed Church, Rte. 156, Knox, NY 12107, Kiwanis Club of Heldebergs, c/o Janice VanEtten, 2000 Berne Altamont Road, Altamont, NY 12009 or Habitat for Humanity, 127 Habitat St., Americus, GA 31709-3498.