Congressmen Move to Issue New Auto Safety Legislation
Due to the mass quantities of Toyota Motor Company recalls, congressional lawmakers said Tuesday, April 27, 2010 that they would drive new legislation to increase auto safety, reports Reuters. Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee Henry Waxman and Chairman of the Senate Committee John Rockefeller are the two main advocates of new legislation. The first draft is expected before the next Toyota hearing on May 6.
The new provisions would strengthen the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), allotting for more resources and funding. Other policymakers feel that the bill should set uniform standards for vehicle electronic data recorders, authorize testing systems that ensure brakes will work over acceleration and increase fines for safety violations.
Still, fines are said to not have much effect, considering that Toyota had agreed to pay a $16.4 million fine but would not admit fault. Both Toyota and the NHTSA have been criticized heavily in their actions and reactions to the recall. Both Waxman and Rockefeller have hopes that this new legislation will prevent such wide-scale defects from occurring in the future.
Regardless, car manufacturers have a responsibility to consumers to ensure that their products are free of defects and are safe. If you have been involved in a Missouri car accident as a result of a Toyota brake pedal defect, you may want to consult an experienced St. Louis injury lawyer who can provide you with the legal guidance required to help you recover compensation for your losses. The experienced MO personal injury attorneys at Page Law can help. Call 314-322-8515 for a free and comprehensive evaluation of your case.
