Lax auto safety rules cost thousands of lives forcesofproduction/destruction by Charles Brown 03 March 2002 23:23 UTC
NHTSA forfeits oversight role http://www.detroitnews.com/specialreports/2002/nhtsa/ For example, in 1994, NHTSA dropped a case against GM pickups with fuel tanks that allegedly were prone to rupture. In return, GM spent $51 million on safety programs. Monday, March 4, 2002 NHTSA forfeits oversight role Lives lost because meek agency slow to spot defects Agency slow to add staff Major defect cases Reforms can take years to implement Even after research, new regulations can fail to improve safety Politicians undermine clout Automakers avoid recalls after top officials intervene Agency's work hindered by faulty data Flaws in statistical evidence cast doubt on scientific findings Report finds lax pursuit of defects Poor review prompts agency vow to better screen complaints NHTSA's revolving door Rollover complaints dismissed Emerging safety issue was ignored, critics say Agency's pace of change concerns lawmakers An "early warning" defect detection system mandated by 2000 law is not yet working Repairs favored over recalls Automakers offer service campaigns, no mention of defects Sunday, March 3, 2002 Lax auto safety rules cost thousands of lives / forces of production/destruction NHTSA fails to find defects or force recalls Vehicle safety standards outdated Industry viewpoint: Vehicles are safer than ever History: Agency created to end highway 'slaughter' http://www.detroitnews.com/specialreports/2002/nhtsa/index.htm ^^^^^^^ CB: All of a sudden the monopoly media exposes the above ?
