Toyota Problem May Spawn More Safety Laws
Recent revelations about Toyota Motor Corp.?s handling of safety issues may spawn new legislation to reform auto safety regulations.
Sen. Jay Rockefeller, (D-WVa), as chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Rep. Henry Waxman, (D-Calif), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, are reported to be working on a bill to reform the nation?s auto safety laws after it was disclosed that Toyota told dealers in 31 European nations about sticking throttle pedal problems four months before it did so in the United States.
“Toyota?s reported withholding of vital safety information is a glaring sign that NHTSA must be given more authority to ensure driver safety, the lawmakers said. It is expected that both committees will develop legislation that will address gaps in highway safety oversight, while providing more funding for staff and equipment to monitor automobiles and trucks.
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