Motor Vehicle Safety Act Improves NHTSA Enforcement

For the very first time in 10 years, Congress is taking up the issue of car safety with the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Next Thursday, this act will start being heard in subcommittees. California Democrat Henry A. Waxman introduced this legislation.

Motor Vehicle Safety Act gives NHTSA a lot more spending budget

The budget available to the NHTSA will be increased by this bill, in part because of the questions about the effectiveness of the NHTSA current congressional hearings have raised. The NHTSA spending budget would get a boost in the form of a $ 3 per car fee. In order to be able to make an impact on huge manufacturers, the NHTSA would also be able to levy fines without caps. The fines that the NHTSA could levy on individual carmakers are considered simply too low to make a lasting impact. Finally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would be given the legal authority to initiate a recall if they identify a safety issue.

Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010 would improve safety

New safety features on every new automobile would also be required by the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. A black box would be required on all automobiles sold in the United States. These automobile data recorders would record the electronic and mechanical events in a automobile. A lite version of airline black boxes, these automobile data safety recorders will not contain voice recorders. A new brake override system that could stop the auto, besides a throttle stuck open, would also be required.

How the industry is responding the MVSA

Despite wide support in Congress, the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010 is not loved by all. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which represents U.S., European and Japanese vehicle makers, said they were “concerned about the sheer number of new regulations”. ”Focus on the few measures that would produce the most substantial safety benefit within the shortest time” was the suggestion of the Alliance spokeswoman. These new regulations are estimated to cost most vehicle manufacturers about twenty to forty dollars per vehicle.

Article Resources

New York Times

Washington Post