Motor Vehicle Safety Act Of 2010 – Giving The NHTSA Teeth
For the first time in a decade, Congress will be considering legislation that will make major changes in vehicle safety – the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010. This bill is currently 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 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. Every vehicle sold in the United States would have a $ 3 per vehicle fee that will go directly into the NHTSA budget. The cap on fines that the NHTSA would also be lifted, enabling the agency to levy fines that actually make an impact. There have been many frustrated arguments that the fine the NHTSA could levy on Toyota was simply too small. Finally, the NHTSA would have the ability to require immediate recalls if they identify safety concerns in a vehicle.
Aiming to improve safety with the MVSA
New safety features on every new vehicle would also be required by the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. All vehicles sold in the United States would be required to have an on-board “black box” information recorder. All electronic and mechanical events in the car would be recorded by this black box. Though they are based on airline black boxes, these vehicle data recorders are more lightweight, and do not include things like voice recorders. A new brake override system that could stop the car, even with a throttle stuck open, would also be required.
Responses to the MVSA of 2010
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 the most substantial safety benefit in the shortest time”. These new regulations are estimated to cost most vehicle manufacturers about twenty to forty dollars per vehicle.
Resources for the article
New York Times
Washington Post
