Pallone Calls on Congress to Pass His Legislation to Improve Vehicle Safety, Following Largest Recall in U.S. History

Statement

Following the largest vehicle recall in U.S. history, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Committee, today at a press conference called on Congress to improve vehicle safety and consumer protection through the Vehicle Safety Improvement Act of 2015 (VSIA). The legislation addresses lessons learned from the record 64 million recalled vehicles in 2014 to enhance oversight, establish new protections for consumers, provide the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with additional safety authorities, and promote safety of American cars. The press conference also highlighted last week's recall of nearly 34 million cars and trucks nationwide and how the legislation can protect consumers from defective vehicles. After long delays, the recall, due to fatal defects in Takata airbags, is not only the largest vehicle recall ever, but the largest recall of any consumer product in U.S. history.

Pallone introduced the bill in February with Congresswoman Janice Schakowsky (D-IL).

"As we've clearly seen with the massive but delayed recalls from Takata and GM, steps are needed to improve vehicle safety and the recall process," said Congressman Pallone. "The Vehicle Safety Improvement Act of 2015 would help protect consumers and would give NHTSA the tools and resources necessary to handle the kinds of safety hazards involved with these recent recalls. With one out of seven cars on U.S. roads affected by last week's recall, the time is now for Congress to act to bring American consumers the protections and safety they deserve."

"AAA fully supports legislative proposals such as the Vehicle Safety Improvement Act of 2015 that call for reforms that strengthen the recall process, increase penalties for inaction by manufactures, and clarify additional NHTSA oversight responsibilities," said Tracy Noble, Manager, Public & Government Affairs, AAA Mid-Atlantic. "Accountability, transparency and full and timely disclosure of any potential safety defect is not negotiable when it comes to motorist safety."

Source