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Vehicle and Battery Fires

When people think of vehicle safety issues, one of the worst incidents that can come to mind is a deadly fire. The Center has long been involved in vehicle fire issues, from the infamous Ford Pinto to the current electric vehicle fire issues. Although technology in automotives has greatly advanced in the early twenty-first century, unfortunately vehicle fires (whether caused by poor gas tank placement or an improperly manufactured lithium ion battery) are a dangerous and persistent problem. Within the past few years, the Center has advocated for Kia and Hyundai to recall many of their vehicles equipped with engines that cause non-crash fires, and to expand the recalls that have already occurred. The Center has also raised awareness around new types of fire risk raised by electric vehicles.

Latest News

FMVSS 301 CAS Reconsideration Petition – January 15, 2004

January 15, 2004

VIA FAX AND ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION
Docket Management Room PL-401
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
400 7th St. SW
Washington, DC 20590

Re: DOT Docket No. NHTSA-03-16523

PETITION FOR RECONSIDERATION

CAS Petitions NHTSA for Stronger Fuel Integrity Standard

On January 15, 2004, CAS petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to reconsider a final rule issued December 1, 2003, regarding Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 301, "Fuel Systems Integrity." The CAS petition cited a number of inadequacies in the new rule, and made recommendations for changes that would truly protect occupants from fire-related trauma. In the petition, CAS noted the following: