Issues
Schumer Urges Federal Investigation Into Mechanically Flawed Police Cars That Have Killed 15 Officers
Two police officers in the U.S. endured accidents in the last ten days when their Crown Victoria police cars were rear-ended and then exploded; Yonkers officer died in similar accident last December
Schumer urges National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to investigate why the cars are susceptible to fiery accidents, and how to better remedy the problem; Previous attempts to retro-fit the cars have had little impact
With two accidents involving Ford Crown Victoria police cars occurring over the last ten days, US Senator Charles E.
Letter to NHTSA Administrator Runge from Senator Charles Schumer
May 28, 2003
Dr. Jeffrey Runge
National Highway Transportation Safety Administration
400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590
Dear Administrator Runge:
I am writing to request that the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) open a comprehensive investigation into possible structural defects that cause the Ford Crown Victoria to explode upon rear-end impact despite recent safety upgrades.
New SUV Safety Rules Test Automakers
Sunday, May 25, 2003
NHTSA’s aggressive effort to prevent rollovers could force costly design changes
Mo. Highway Patrol Trooper Dies In Fiery I-70 Accident
Trooper Apparently Was Making Car Stop
May 22, 2003
KANSAS CITY, Mo. —
KMBC reported that the accident happened near Odessa around 6:30 a.m.
KMBC reported that Trooper Micheal Newton, 25, had stopped a car when his cruiser was apparently hit by another vehicle and it ignited.
Ford to Repair Springs on Focus
By Christopher Jensen
Plain Dealer Auto Editor
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Explosion Prompts Concern About Police Cars
Crown Victorias Under Scrutiny
May 18, 2003
DALLAS — New concerns are emerging from a car accident involving a Dallas police officer.A police cruiser burst into flames Saturday morning after being rear-ended on the westbound lanes of I-30 near the Hampton exit. NBC 5 News' Allison Smith reported on the concerns surrounding Ford Crown Victorias, which Dallas police officers drive.
GM Paid $495 Million in Suits
The automaker settled 297 cases involving fiery pickup crashes, a court document reveals.
By Myron Levin, L.A. Times Staff Writer
Nissan Recalls Altimas to Replace Air Bags
By Christopher Jensen
Plain Dealer Auto Editor
Friday, April 25, 2003
Edition: Final, Section: Business, Page C3
After a two-year fight, Nissan Motor Co. said yesterday that it would
voluntarily recall almost 249,000 of its 1994 and 1995 Altimas to replace
passenger-side air bags that federal investigators worried could cause
serious eye injuries.
Nissan continued to insist that there was nothing wrong with the air bags,
which the automaker will replace for free.
CAS Urges Consumers to Replace Passenger Airbag in 1994-95 Nissan Altima
NHTSA Investigation Shows Moderate to Severe Eye Injury Nearly 300 Times Greater Than In Other Cars
Consumer Groups Attack NHTSA Safety Defects Policies
Center for Auto Safety
Public Citizen
Consumer Federation of America
U.S. Public Interest Research Group
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety
April 22, 2003
Dr. Jeffrey Runge, Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
400 7th Street SW
Washington DC 20590
Dear Dr. Runge: