U.S. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) has introduced H.R. 1181, the Public Access to Motor Vehicle Safety Information bill. This legislation was introduced partly in response to recent automaker safety issues and airbag defects. Schakowsky said, “Over the past year and a half, we have seen a record number of recalls and far too many serious injuries and deaths. It’s time for stronger driver, passenger, and pedestrian safeguards, and the Vehicle Safety Improvement Act delivers on that need.”
H.R. 1181 aims to maximize public awareness by increasing the amount of vehicle safety information auto manufacturers must provide to their customers and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Specifically this bill would:
• Impose harsher penalties on companies that fail to comply with federal safety standards, removing the current statutory maximum penalties;
• Require new standards to reduce pedestrian and rear passenger injuries;
• Ensure that used vehicles are repaired before they are resold; and
• Expedite auto recalls that pose an “imminent hazard” of injuries or deaths.
The bill provides additional funding to NHTSA to enforce its directives. The bill will provide this funding through the creation of the Vehicle Safety Fund, which will require automakers to pay $3 for each motor vehicle certified during the first year in which such fees are assessed, $6 during the second year, and $9 during the third year. This bill is currently before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair segments of the automotive service industry.
ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. To take advantage of the many benefits of membership in ASA, visit www.ASAshop.org or call (817) 514-2931. For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to www.ASAshop.org, or visit ASA’s legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com.
