Safety groups challenge NHTSA on automatic-braking pact

Auto safety and consumer advocacy groups have sued the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in a bid to force the agency to decide whether to require automatic braking systems on all new light vehicles.

The suit highlights growing frustration within the safety and consumer protection lobby over NHTSA chief Mark Rosekind’s pursuit of voluntary safety agreements outside of normal rulemaking channels. The safety advocates say such deals lack the force of law and are negotiated behind closed doors without the transparency of a formal regulatory process.

Automakers representing nearly all new light-vehicle sales in the U.S. agreed last March to make automatic emergency braking standard on all new cars by 2022 under a deal brokered by NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The pact has since been criticized by safety advocates as being toothless and without recourse if an automaker chooses to renege on the deal in the future. read more »

U.S. auto regulators want to block drivers from using mobile apps

Guidelines recommend that all mobile devices first be able to pair to an in-vehicle infotainment system

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has proposed industry guidelines that ask automakers to create a way to block applications on smartphones or tablets that can distract drivers.

Currently no safety guidelines exist for mobile devices when they are used while driving, the NHTSA said.

The new guidelines, which were published last week and are in a comment period, instruct automakers to create a "Driver Mode" similar to Apple's Airplane Mode on iPhones, which takes the smartphone offline.

The new guidelines are the latest effort by the federal government to reduce accidents caused by distracted driving. read more »

Feds caution GM on auto stopping cars with Super Cruise

U.S. regulators are cautioning General Motors Co. about its planned semi-autonomous Super Cruise system that will slowly bring a car to a halt if the system senses the driver is inattentive.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said GM’s proposal to stop cars with unresponsive drivers and then automatically activate hazard flashers is compliant with federal automotive standards. But the agency wants to make sure activating the emergency flashers isn’t misinterpreted by other drivers and doesn’t present “an unreasonable risk to safety.” read more »

NHTSA wants you to complain more about your car

The U.S. government wants more people to complain about auto safety problems.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is proposing a rule requiring automakers put labels on sun visors of all new vehicles with instructions on how to file safety complaints.

The labels would be glued to passenger visors and tell people that complaints could bring an investigation or a possible recall.

The agency uses consumer complaints to spot safety problems. If NHTSA workers spot a trend in the complaints, the agency investigates and can pressure automakers into doing recalls.

Automotive Recall Rate Trends and Key Statistics

Automotive recalls can cost you a lot of time when you have to get your vehicle repaired. Even after they’re completed, there is no guarantee that you will not have to make a return trip to the dealership if another recall is issued. This can make automotive recall rates a key issue when you are in the market for your next vehicle.

A study from iSeeCars.com has recently uncovered new information regarding automotive recalls. It has identified which manufacturers had the highest and lowest recall rates over a 31 year period. Additionally, the company uncovered the car makers that are the most and least proactive when issuing these notices.