Last week, lawmaker called on NHTSA to require auto manufacturers to post in public database detailed information when manufacturers first become aware of incidents involving fatalities

Boston (March 7, 2014) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, issued the following statement in response to a letter sent to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) by the Center for Auto Safety that disclosed new details about the recent safety recalls by GM. The letter details NHTSA’s failure to take early action to investigate and address the defect. Last week, Senator Markey wrote NHTSA asking it to use its authority to require companies to submit accident reports and other documents to NHTSA’S public early warming reporting database when they become aware of fatalities involving their vehicles.

“More details about auto defects could prevent more deaths on the nation’s roads. Americans need NHTSA’s Early Warning Reporting system to actually provide early warnings, instead of just a rear view mirror look into what has already gone wrong. If NHTSA won’t take action to greatly increase public disclosure of information related to potential safety defects, I will introduce legislation ensuring that it does so.” 

During House Energy and Commerce Committee consideration of a 2010 automobile safety bill, a version of a then-Rep. Markey-authored amendment was included that would have made more information about fatalities public in the Early Warning Reporting database.  The bill passed Committee but was not enacted.