Auto safety laws being debated in Congress could help save drivers’ lives. Important new mandatory safety protections and increased civil penalties for safety violations may help prevent future problems like Toyota’s ongoing sudden acceleration issues. At least fifty deaths and 8.5 million cars are involved so far in that continuing debacle.
Pending auto safety legislation should increase civil penalties for vehicle manufacturers that fail to report safety problems. Congress should also enhance public disclosure of “early warning” data that auto manufacturers submit to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Such data help consumers discover whether there might be a problem with vehicles they own or plan to buy.
Other important car and truck safety legislation should require “black box” event recorders on vehicles to identify exactly what happens in crashes. Recorders would clarify whether the defense of “driver error” has merit and expose malfunctions and safety hazards. Requiring a brake-override standard would help prevent runaway vehicles where malfunctions caused unintended acceleration.
Civil Justice System Protects Injured Drivers and Passengers
Lawyers for defective vehicle victims and those injured by driver negligence have propelled numerous road safety innovations. Litigation has led to safer gas tanks, side impact protection, seat belts, roof crush protection, safer tires, electronic stability control, secure door latches, elimination of “illusory park” transmissions, air bags, child-proof power windows, and seats built to withstand accidents. It has also given crash survivors the compensation that they deserve and the financial stability that they need to rebuild lives.
Portland Car Crash Attorney Consultation Free
The Law Office of Dane E. Johnson, LLC is a Portland personal injury law firm for victims of car and truck crashes. We provide an initial consultation to evaluate potential motor vehicle collision cases at no charge. If you or loved ones have been hurt by a defective vehicle or a negligent driver, contact us online or call toll free (800) 714-3204.
Related Web Resources
Am. Ass’n for Justice, Driven to Safety: How Litigation Spurred Auto Safety Innovations (2010).
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