Improving Safety With The Motor Vehicle Safety Act Of 2010

For the first time in 10 years, Congress is taking up the issue of vehicle safety with the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This bill is presently on the docket to start subcommittee hearings next Thursday. This legislation is being circulated and supported by California democrat Henry A. Waxman.

Legislation would increase the NHTSA budget

The spending budget accessible to the NHTSA can 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. The NHTSA would also have the cap on statutory damages removed, increasing how much it can fine auto makers. Numerous legislators have worried the capped fine is simply too low – and won't hurt carmakers. Lastly, the NHTSA could force a automobile recall without working with the automaker.

Aiming to improve safety with the MVSA

The Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010 would also implement several new safety features on automobiles. All autos sold within the United States would be required to have an on-board “black box” info recorder. These vehicle data recorders would record the electronic and mechanical events in a vehicle. These recorders are depending on airline "black boxes" though they don’t consist of voice recorders. A new brake override system that could stop the automobile, even with a throttle stuck open, would also be required.

Reactions to the Motor Vehicle Safety Act

Despite wide support in Congress, the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010 is not loved by all. ”Concerned about the sheer number of new regulations” is the response of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers – a group of U.S., European, and Japanese car makers. The Alliance spokeswoman suggested that the Congress “focus on the few measures that would produce probably the most substantial safety benefit within the shortest time”. These new regulations are estimated to cost most vehicle manufacturers about twenty to forty dollars per vehicle.

Article Resources

New York Times

Washington Post