Autoblog

U.S. D.O.T. says 2010 traffic fatalities lowest they've ever been

Aaron Richardson — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:01:00 EST

United States Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that traffic deaths in 2010 were the lowest they've ever been, falling three percent from 2009's record low. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration projections, traffic fatalities fell from 33,808 in 2009 to 32,708 in 2010.

The Department of Transportation and NHTSA see the news as evidence that their public awareness campaigns, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws nationwide are working. According to NHTSA, traffic fatalities have steadily dropped in the last five years, falling 25 percent since 2005.

Specifically, the DOT and NHTSA cited programs like Over the Limit, Under Arrest, Click-it or Ticket and LaHood's anti-distracted driving campaign as contributing factors to the drop in fatalities.

The biggest regional drop was in the Pacific Northwest, where fatalities plummeted 12 percent from last year. Arizona, California and Hawaii tied for second, each dropping 11 percent over 2009.

While we applaud most of the campaigns championed by NHTSA and the DOT, we can't help but think that there are probably some larger factors at work here - namely, that Americans are motoring around in vehicles that are safer than ever before thanks to the proliferation of improved safety systems like stability control. Check out the official press release and associated horn-tooting after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA | Image: Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty]

Continue reading U.S. D.O.T. says 2010 traffic fatalities lowest they've ever been

U.S. D.O.T. says 2010 traffic fatalities lowest they've ever been originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: LaHood mulling nationwide ban on all in-car mobile phone use?

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Technology

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood wants to make our roads a safer place. Distracted driving is arguably his number one issue, and LaHood is waging a concerted campaign to try and curb it. Is he taking things a step too far, though? According to Automotive News, LaHood has now stated that he believes motorists are distracted by any use of a mobile device while driving. This includes making hands-free calls through the use of in-car or in-ear Bluetooth devices. LaHood's department is going to begin researching all types of mobile device usage to see how they affect drivers. He also plans to meet with automakers to try and gain support for his campaign to eliminate distracting driving.

According to the report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration feels that Ray LaHood is focusing too closely on one area of motoring safety, rather than the bigger picture. NHTSA officials are quoted as saying that current distracted driving crash statistics may be inflated because not all law enforcement agencies are properly trained to recognize a distracted driving accident. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety even went so far as to release a study showing that new texting laws have not influenced accident rates in a positive manner.

Ray Lahood has quite an uphill battle on his hands. Even if he and his team can prove that hands-free usage of mobile devices increase accident rates, the practice is so deeply ingrained in the brains of the overall driving public - not to mention the businesses associated with it - that it will be difficult to convince motorists to not use their phones while driving at all. LaHood is optimistic, however,

"The bottom line for me is to get where we're at with seat belts and with drunk driving. When those programs were started, people were very skeptical that you could get people to buckle up."

So don't adopt the "You can pry my iPhone from my cold dead hands" attitude just yet. Secretary LaHood is merely investigating the matter at this point. There are no plans to call for a ban just yet, but at least one NHTSA official admits it's a possibility.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.| Image: Mark Wilson/Getty]

Report: LaHood mulling nationwide ban on all in-car mobile phone use? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA releases first batch of crash test ratings under new safety standards

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 10:33:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety

Click above for safety ratings of all 30 vehicles tested under NHTSA's new crash test rating system

Earlier this year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that it would be revising its well known five-star crash test rating system for 2011 model year vehicles. This new series of tests, called the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) makes it more difficult for manufacturers' vehicles to achieve the administration's prestigious five-star safety rating, which they had been doing a bit too easily in recent years. Also, the latest round of new safety technologies - collision warning, lane departure warning, etc. - are now being tested, and a new pole side crash test has been added to the gauntlet that also includes old favorites like the frontal barrier, side barrier and rollover tests. Finally, NCAP gives vehicles an overall rating that combines their star ratings in each of the three major categories (front, side and rollover), which makes marketing the results much easier for automakers whose vehicles score well.

Since the announcement earlier this year, NHTSA has been busy testing some 30 vehicles using NCAP and released its results this morning. The full results are available after the jump, but it should be noted that these new ratings are not comparable with ratings for any 2010-11 model year vehicles rated using the old system.

Because the NCAP is more rigorous than the prior system, most of the 30 vehicles tested have seen their star ratings drop. In fact, the only two 2011 models to retain five-star safety ratings are the BMW 5 Series and Hyundai Sonata, and the latter only after Hyundai tweaked the sedan and resubmitted it for testing. While most vehicles tested using NCAP returned four-star overall ratings, the Toyota Camry, which was essentially a five-star vehicle for the 2010 model year (it scored only one four-star rating that year in the rollover test), only managed an overall rating of three stars under the new system. Below that, the compact Nissan Versa (at right in the middle of earning just two stars in the side pole test) earned an overall rating of only two stars after the 2010 model had earned four stars across the board.

NHTSA has also redesigned the safercar.gov website to make these new ratings easier to research and analyze. Each vehicle's page is clearly laid out and all of the crash test results are explained clearly and accompanied with video of each particular test. The new ratings will start to appear on vehicle window stickers soon, but only the 33 models tested, and NHTSA says its working to have 60 models finished testing by year's end.

Check out results for the whole lot of re-tested cars after the jump in the official chart released by NHTSA. We've also included the agency's press release for a few more details about the new crash test rating system that automakers are no doubt scrambling to ace as we speak.

[Sources: NHTSA, USA Today]

Continue reading NHTSA releases first batch of crash test ratings under new safety standards

NHTSA releases first batch of crash test ratings under new safety standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DOT: Booster seat use below where it should be

Jeff Glucker — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Event Alert

Recaro ProSeries child safety seats - Click above for high-res image gallery

U.S. Transportation Secretary and friend of Autoblog, Ray LaHood, is sharing new research garnered from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The results of the study show that many young children are still being placed in the wrong restraint or booster seat systems. It's Child Passenger Safety week and it's time for parents to make sure they know what type of system their kid requires. Also, it's important to be certain their safety seats are inspected to insure they're working properly.

NHTSA data shows that in 2009 the leading cause of death for young people (ages 3-14) was motor vehicle accidents. Child Passenger Safety week runs from September 19th through the 25th, during which NHTSA has set up safety seat inspection stations around the country. The service is free and safety technicians are on hand to answer any questions you might have. The safety week ends on the 25th (that'd be today) with National Seat Check Saturday, and it won't take much time for you to stop by. For the nearest location, check out http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS.

There are more numbers to look at for all you stat fiends, in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Recaro ProSeries child safety seats

[Source: U.S. Department of Transportation]

Continue reading DOT: Booster seat use below where it should be

DOT: Booster seat use below where it should be originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Sep 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota will pay $16.4M fine, denies wrongdoing

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:33:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

Just yesterday, we told you that Toyota was reportedly set to pay the full $16.4 million fine to the U.S. government, so long as the automaker would not be required to admit any wrongdoing. Well, the 'T's have been crossed, the 'I's have been dotted, and the official statements have been released. The largest civil fine ever issued to an automaker by the U.S. government will be paid by way of electronic funds transfer, and will take place within the next 30 days. For what it's worth, The Detroit News reports that if the $16.4 million maximum cap on fines didn't exist, it could have charged $6,000 per vehicle - that's $13.8 billion. Ouch.

As part of that process, Toyota now openly admits that it could have (and should have) done a better job of sharing relevant information, and it welcomes "a new, more transparent chapter" in its relationship with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Additionally, the automaker has outlined a few of its next steps, citing that a new Chief Quality Officer has been appointed for North America and that it has strengthened its information-gathering capabilities in an effort to investigate potential problems with quicker response times. Still, Toyota denies that it withheld any pertinent information from NHTSA, saying, "We did not try to hide a defect to avoid dealing with a safety problem."

In response, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has issued the following statement regarding Toyota's decision:

By failing to report known safety problems as it is required to do under the law, Toyota put consumers at risk. I am pleased that Toyota has accepted responsibility for violating its legal obligations to report any defects promptly. We are continuing to investigate whether the company has lived up to all its disclosure obligations.

The U.S. House of Representatives oversight panel plans to hold another hearing on May 6 to further investigate Toyota's conduct. What's more, remember that Toyota could be in more hot water regarding the ongoing investigation regarding the Lexus GX460 SUV, and there are still lingering questions about possible electronic gremlins in Toyota throttles to contend with. Still, it's good to see that an initial resolution has been reached between Toyota and NHTSA on this matter, though it is still possible that further fines will follow. Hit the jump to read the automaker's official release, as well as a statement from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

[Sources: Toyota, NHTSA, The Detroit News | Image: Ramin Talaie/Getty]

Continue reading Toyota will pay $16.4M fine, denies wrongdoing

Toyota will pay $16.4M fine, denies wrongdoing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LaHood launches first federally funded distracted driving crackdown campaigns in CT and NY [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Safety, Videos

The NHTSA is combatting distracted driving - Click above to watch the video

Starting on April 8 in Syracuse, NY and April 10 in Hartford, CT, drivers who are caught using a cell phone behind the wheel can expect to get a little more familiar with the local justice system. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has given the official go-ahead on a pilot program aimed at curbing distracted driving, and police in those localities will be pulling over anyone they see texting or using a cell phone without a hands-free device.

They've even come up with a catchy slogan for the crackdown: "Phone in one hand. Ticket in the other." Residents in the greater Syracuse and Hartford areas have likely been seeing a number of ads urging drivers to put down the phone since the first of April. You can check out one example after the jump. Law enforcement will be monitoring driver behavior over the course of the program to determine whether or not a nation-wide campaign will be worth the government's money.

Speaking of dollar bills, the federal government has put up $200,000 for both localaties, matched by $100,000 from each state. If the program goes national, you can bet we'll see quite a bit more cash flow out Washington. Check out the full press release and a video after the jump.

[Source: Distraction.gov]

Continue reading LaHood launches first federally funded distracted driving crackdown campaigns in CT and NY [w/video]

LaHood launches first federally funded distracted driving crackdown campaigns in CT and NY [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Transportation Secretary LaHood concerned with influx of in-car technologies

Michael Harley — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety

Concerned that "gadgets and bells and whistles" are distracting drivers, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is reportedly pushing to keep the technologies out of driver's hands - without going so far as to say he'll try to restrict them. LaHood, who has already campaigned for a ban on hand-held texting and cell phone use while operating a moving vehicle, says he is "going to talk to the car manufacturers and see where this leads."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2009 nearly 6,000 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver - and more than 800,000 vehicles are driven by someone using a hand-held cell phone each day. While the Department of Transportation intends to issue regulations in 2010 to discourage driving while distracted by technology, LaHood has gone several steps further by saying he is on a "rampage" against the behavior.

This is likely a good time to remind everyone that a recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that bans on hand-held cell phones in California, Connecticut, New York, and Washington D.C., had no impact on vehicle accidents - LaHood attributes those results simply to complaisant enforcement by police agencies.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: Transportation Secretary LaHood concerned with influx of in-car technologies originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LaHood: Getting Toyota to recall took "enormous effort," calls automaker "a little safety deaf"

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Japan, Recalls, Toyota

Man, when it rains, it absolutely pours. Especially if you're a carmaker called Toyota and are already embroiled in a credibility-killing (and sales-smothering) gas pedal recall plus another for defective floor mats. According to the Detroit Free Press, none other than U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has absolutely blasted the Japanese giant, calling it "a little safety deaf" and noting he was upset that NHTSA officials had to fly to Japan "to remind Toyota management about its legal obligations." That's just the tip of the spear stuff, too. Check out the shaft:

Since questions were first raised about possible safety defects, we have been pushing Toyota to take measures to protect consumers. While Toyota is taking responsible action now, it unfortunately took an enormous effort to get to this point. We're not finished with Toyota and are continuing to review possible defects and monitor the implementation of the recalls.

To paraphrase L.A. Confidential's Captain Dudley Smith, we wouldn't trade places with Toyota right now for all the whiskey in Ireland. Still, we find the timing of Secretary LaHood's comments a little odd. Here's what we mean: the NHTSA official that flew to Japan to verbally beat on Toyota did so in December. And while Toyota seems to have behaved badly at first, the company has found an unobjectionable solution (according to the safety agency) to its gas pedal problem. So, why whip on 'em today? Could it have something to do with next week's Congressional inquiry scheduled to begin on February 10? We'd wager yes.

[Source: Detroit Free Press | Image: Alex Wong/Getty Images]

LaHood: Getting Toyota to recall took "enormous effort," calls automaker "a little safety deaf" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 90% of Cash for Clunkers claims have been paid

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

Actually, paid or approved. Clunker claims being approved is the last step before dealers get paid. But yes, Cash for Clunkers, the very popular, definitely controversial program that gave consumers between $3,500 and $4,500 for their old, low gas-mileage cars is racing towards it September 30 end date. Meaning there's one week left to approve the last ten percent. Put another way, $2.6 billion dollars is either in, or will be in the pockets of car dealers for certain, with the remainder of the $2.9 billion total still unaccounted for.

Getting down to the nitty and the gritty, $2.3 billion -- representing 534,598 claims -- has been paid out. Checks have been written, cashed, done. Leaving about $322,000,000 (76,775 claims) approved but not yet paid. Some of the unpaid claims were initially rejected by various reasons but were then resubmitted and then approved. Still, the Department of Transportation (DoT) has one week to pay out more than $615 million to hit Secretary LaHood's September 30 deadline. All in all 681,426 Cash 4 Clunkers deals transpired totaling nearly $3 billion in payouts.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image Source: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

REPORT: 90% of Cash for Clunkers claims have been paid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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