Fanned by the flames of the Toyota recalls and those of other vehicle manufacturers throughout 2010, lawmakers are focusing legislative energy on motor vehicle safety. In just one example of potential reforms, Senator Jay Rockefeller has introduced the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010, a comprehensive reform of automobile safety laws that gives more powers to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, as well as the requirement of transparency, and imposes new design requirements on car manufacturers.
New Design and Safety Feature Standards to Become Universal
Washington lawmakers are considering legislation that will require Detroit car manufacturers - and any auto manufacturers that intend to sell automobiles in the United States - to add standard new features and universal designs that should improve motor vehicle safety. Among the changes being considered are universal designs for gear-shifts, a brake override feature that only permits the brake to function when both the brake and gas pedal are engaged, standard push-button ignition systems, and installation of black-box recorders on all passenger vehicles.
NHTSA Gets Strengthened Recall Powers and Increased Civil Fines Imposed
Along with upgraded design safety features, the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010 would give the NHTSA power to stop sales of allegedly dangerous or defective products and the power to impose greater civil fines, up to $25,000 per vehicle recalled, against car manufacturers. The bill would also remove the cap on civil penalties for auto makers that intentionally mislead or fail to report known defects to the NHTSA.
Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010 Encourages an Age of Transparency on Defects
Finally, the legislation would require the NHTSA to show greater transparency and provide earlier warning systems for motor vehicle defects. The law is expected to (1) make it easier for consumers to report defects; (2) include whistleblower provisions for autoworkers; and (3) make tracking systems accessible to learn more about a car's reported defects. The law would open what is now a closed door on discussions between NHTSA and automobile manufacturers after defects are reported.
Regardless of the law that ultimately emerges from Congress, it is clear that Congress and other federal agencies are now making motor vehicle safety a priority. And, for the safety of motorists, that's a very good thing.
