auto safety News

Automatic Braking, Due by 2022 in U.S. Cars, Could Prevent 20% of All Crashes

Major automakers will announce Thursday they have agreed to install automatic emergency braking systems in nearly all U.S. vehicles by September 2022, three sources briefed on the plans said. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced in September …

Auto Recalls in U.S. Passed 51 Million in 2015

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Thursday that automakers recalled 51.3 million vehicles in the United States last year, the second-highest ever, in 868 separate campaigns. NHTSA and automakers have come under harsh criticism on auto safety issues …

U.S. Safety Officials Push Self-Braking Technology for Cars, Trains, Trucks

Safety officials want to see more technology used to reduce accidents on U.S. roads, airways and railroads. In its annual “Most Wanted” list, the National Transportation Safety Board is urging government regulators and industry to move more quickly to adopt …

GM Backs Remote Software Updates But Not for Critical Systems

General Motors Co. will not use ‘over-the-air’ upgrades, a way of remotely updating software on its vehicles, for safety-critical vehicle systems such as brakes, the automaker’s product development chief said on Wednesday, signaling a different approach from electric car maker …

Survey: Decrease in Seat Belt Use in Tennessee

A recent survey shows a decrease in seat belt use in Tennessee. The Governor’s Highway Safety Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol announced that the statewide rate for the month of June is 86.2 percent, a decrease from the previous …

2014 One of Worst Years Ever for Vehicle Safety: NHTSA

Carmakers recalled about 64 million vehicles in the U.S. last year, more than double the previous record set in 2004, according to official government data. The tally released Thursday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration closes the book on …

Maine Officials Alert Consumers, Businesses to Flood-Damaged Autos

Maine Gov. Paul R. LePage and Maine Insurance Superintendent Eric Cioppa cautioned consumers and businesses that recent severe weather and flooding in Maine, throughout the Northeast and in other parts of the country increases the possibility of flood-damaged autos being …

Rock-Throwing Attack in Pennsylvania Shows Cars’ Vulnerability

A rock-throwing attack that left an Ohio woman with serious injuries is a reminder of how vulnerable motorists are when someone decides to target random victims from a highway bridge or overpass. As 52-year-old middle school language arts teacher Sharon …

Carmakers, Regulators Looking Into Flaws in Air Bag Technology

When Ford Motor Co. recalled 600,000 sport-utility vehicles last week, it became the fourth carmaker this year to acknowledge an issue with malfunctioning air bags. So far in 2014, automakers in the U.S. have recalled about 6.6 million cars and …

Car Makers Offered Relaxed Regulation for Installing Ignition Lock Tied to Seat Belt Use

A U.S. regulator’s offer to relax auto safety rules for manufacturers that install technology to prevent drivers from starting a car unless seatbelts are fastened drew swift opposition from safety advocates. Cars featuring so-called seatbelt interlock devices would be given …