Issues
Letter to William Clay Ford, Jr. from Ralph Nader
September 7, 2005
William Clay Ford, Jr.
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Ford Motor Company
1 American Road
Dearborn, MI 48126
Dear Mr. Ford:
As you are aware, an ongoing defect investigation of Ford Motor Company
trucks and SUVs is being undertaken by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration due to high rates of speed control deactivation
switch (SCDS) failure and related engine compartment fire.
New roof rules limit carmaker liability
Wednesday, September 7, 2005
Manufacturers that meet safety standards should be exempt from lawsuits, feds say.
In three recent auto safety proposals, auto safety regulators are proposing to limit manufacturers’ liability from lawsuits if they meet the new federal standards. Critics say it is a dramatic change that may exceed the agency’s legal authority.
Massachusetts Used Car Lemon Law
90:7N Voiding contracts of sale.
Letter to NHTSA Administrator Runge from Ralph Nader
August 26, 2005
Jeffrey W. Runge, M.D.
Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20590Â
Dear Administrator Runge:
Court ordered to review damage award
By Eric Freedman
Automotive News / August 22, 2005
Auto Rollover Rules Proposed
U.S. officials say the regulations will reduce deaths. Critics slam an anti-lawsuit provision.By Myron Levin
Times Staff Writer
August 20, 2005
U.S. highway safety officials proposed new rules Friday to reduce deaths and injuries from roof failures when vehicles flip over, extending the standards to cover large sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks.
But consumer advocates denounced the proposal as toothless and attacked a provision that would bar victims of roof failures from suing automakers that meet the new standard.
When is a call worth a life?
By Dan Carney
Washington Post
February 9, 2005
Phone driving is the drunken driving of the new millennium. Seemingly everyone does it, and all of them seem to believe that they are skilled in a way that prevents their powers of perception from being clouded by the fog of isolation that envelops drivers who talk on the phone.
Illinois Supreme Court Gives Auto Owners Big Win
Immediate Release: August 18, 2005
Illinois Supreme Court Gives Auto Owners Big Win
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Deputy’s Crown Victoria explosion raises questions
By Dan Lauck / 11 News KHOU-TV
A fiery crash could raise more safety questions about the controversial Crown Victoria police cruiser after a Fort Bend County deputy watched his vehicle go up in flames.
It exploded after a high-speed rear-end collision this weekend on Highway 6 near Bissonnet.
Pictures are reminiscent of past problems with the popular police cruiser.
"You’d think with red lights flashing all over, the guy would have seen it," says Sid McArthur.
Energy Bill Extends Oil-Wasting Fuel Economy Loophole
Center for Auto Safety
Natural Resources Defense Council
Public Citizen
PRESS RELEASE
Aug. 11, 2005
Energy Bill Extends Oil-Wasting Fuel Economy Loophole
Legislation Shields Automakers From Legal Challenge, Will Increase Oil Consumption