Every day developments in the area of product safety occur. Whether it be recalls, the launch of defect investigations by NHTSA, or national or regional news about advancements in automotive safety technologies, news and information in this area is constantly changing.
To assist consumers and attorneys, some of the more notable developments are noted herein for easy reference. If you have any questions about any of these topics or desire more information do not hesitate to call us.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today proposed to update existing safety standards to ensure drivers can better stop a vehicle in the event both the brake and accelerator pedals are depressed at the same time. NHTSA research indicates a “Brake-Throttle Override” requirement will help reduce the risks of high-speed…
Karen Swicker, a social worker in Massachusetts, was on her way to visit a client when she noticed a puff of smoke next to her left elbow. The door of her 2002 Subaru Outback was smoldering. She pulled over, and within minutes, the door was in flames. “By the time the fire department got there,…
The Obama administration is calling for higher fines for auto safety violations, but an auto trade group contends that the proposed increases are “unfairly punitive.” David Strickland, the head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said in congressional testimony recently that the current maximum fine of $17 million per case is not adequate. The…
As the spring driving season gets under way, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging colleges, church groups, and other users of 15-passenger vans to take specific steps to keep drivers and passengers safe — including buckling up every trip, every time. Recognizing that 15-passenger vans are particularly sensitive to loading, the agency…
Driver distraction is like the weather. Everybody complains about it but no one does anything about it. Well, now the federal government says it wants to do something about it. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) held the first of three public hearings on the topic Monday in Washington, D.C., to get input about…
Driver distraction is like the weather. Everybody complains about it but no one does anything about it. Well, now the federal government says it wants to do something about it. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) held the first of three public hearings on the topic Monday in Washington, D.C., to get input about…
Ford Motor Co. is the target of a safety investigation involving reports of unintended acceleration. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it has received 14 complaints from drivers who’ve had difficulty bringing their vehicles to a halt when their cars sped-up after their throttles became stuck in the open position. Government investigators are looking…
A mother of two Santa Cruz women killed in a 2004 crash says she will press on with her petition drive asking Enterprise Rent-A-Car to agree to ground recalled vehicles until they are repaired. “We will prevail, with the help of all of us working to fix this consumer safety problem,” said Cally Houck, who…
A mother of two Santa Cruz women killed in a 2004 crash says she will press on with her petition drive asking Enterprise Rent-A-Car to agree to ground recalled vehicles until they are repaired. “We will prevail, with the help of all of us working to fix this consumer safety problem,” said Cally Houck, who…
As the spring driving season gets under way, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging colleges, church groups, and other users of 15-passenger vans to take specific steps to keep drivers and passengers safe — including buckling up every trip, every time.Recognizing that 15-passenger vans are particularly sensitive to loading, the agency warns…
