Blumenthal, Markey Call for Increased Transparency, Accountability at NHTSA

Press Release

Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), members of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, today called for immediate action to increase transparency measures at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A devastating new report from the Department of Transportation's Inspector General (IG) enumerates in blistering detail the many lapses in policy, protocol, decision-making and judgment on the part of the agency as it investigated the faulty GM ignition switch that has led to at least 114 deaths and many more injuries. In particular, the new report documents how NHTSA had information about the faulty ignition switch as early as 2003 but took no action. The report also highlights that the agency does not ensure compliance from auto manufacturers to submit information to the Early Warning Reporting (EWR) system, nor does it come close to adequately analyzing the information it does have access to. The EWR system is NHTSA's public and searchable online database that is supposed to house information about incidents involving potential defects associated with auto fatalities, injuries, or property damage.

"The Inspector General's new report further underscores our assertions that NHTSA has failed to use, disclose and in some cases even understand reports and documents it obtains from automakers and consumers that are supposed to provide early warnings of deadly automobile defects," said Senators Blumenthal and Markey. "We are encouraged that NHTSA agrees with the recommendations made in this scalding indictment of its past ineptitude and indifference to the lives that were lost as a result. Now, the best way to ensure that this avoidable tragedy isn't replayed again in the future is to empower the public and make public the information NHTSA has historically ignored. Our legislation to reform the Early Warning Reporting system that would make the information NHTSA receives from auto manufacturers public and in a user-friendly format so that consumers can evaluate potential safety defects themselves. It is also clear NHTSA needs sharper teeth, which is why we plan to continue fighting for legislation that expands the agency's civil and criminal penalty authority to compel compliance with the law."

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