Report: NHTSA chief looking to augment safety arm's powers

Thanks to the barrage of Toyota recalls in recent months, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has its eyes on more power. According to The Detroit News, David Strickland (pictured), who heads up the government safety agency, recently met with the Senate Commerce Committee to discuss his agency's need for the ability to order immediate recalls, halt production or stop the importation of vehicles that pose an imminent and significant safety risk. The House of Representatives has already drafted a bill that would give NHTSA those powers. Meanwhile, the Senate has created a new auto safety bill that Strickland believes falls short of giving his agency the power it needs.
Even if Congress awards NHTSA a greater reach, the majority of recalls would still fall squarely on automaker shoulders. The move would simply allow the government to respond more quickly if a manufacturer drags its heels during the recall process.

[Source: The Detroit News]