USA Today Editorial: Secret settlements vs. your safety: Our view

The Center for Auto Safety is the nation’s premier independent, member driven, non-profit consumer advocacy organization dedicated to improving vehicle safety, quality, and fuel economy on behalf of all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Selfish wishes of a few should not override public interest.

What people don’t know can hurt them — as proven repeatedly by a system of secret justice that has grown up inside the courts.

General Motors’ handling of its Chevy Cobalts with faulty ignition switches is the latest example. GM has settled several claims by victims or their loved ones — on the condition that the terms remain secret.

Public settlements might have warned everyone of the danger or even forced the company to replace the switches sooner. None of that happened. The cars weren’t recalled until February, nine years after one of the earliest settlements.

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