Consumers Need More Disclosure, New Safeguards to Improve Vehicle Safety
The AAJ released a commendable statement regarding vehicle safety and consumer protection in May (5/19, AAJ, www.justice.org). In light of the many vehicle safety issues that have occurred this year, Toyota largely being at the forefront, these recommendations should be taken seriously and as an attorney with experience in products liability and motor vehicle accidents, I support the following suggestions.
Congress should “increase civil penalties for safety violations, improve disclosure of “early warning” data, and mandate both “black box” event recorders and brake-override systems in all new vehicles.” Increasing civil penalties for safety violations will lead to automakers being more careful. To date, the limit on civil penalties is $16.4M, this does not adequately serve to deter careless manufacturing and quick reporting of problems.
Congress should also implement enhanced disclosure of “early warning” data is essential so consumer can start taking the necessary precautions immediately. Unfortunately, we have seen time and time again that manufacturers know of safety defects but delay or deny problems. These socially irresponsible behaviors will continue unless Congress requires otherwise.
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