Submit your claim details for a free, no obligation case review
Get Started:
The first Congress attempt to mandate a standard for SUV rollover protection was in the mid-1980s right after SUVs began to grow in popularity. The auto industry has been able to block any SUV rollover standard thus far, though pressure for congressional action has been increasing. Preliminary estimates released by the U.S. government on April 29, 2004 revealed a 10 percent increase in SUV rollover deaths in the past year.
In February, the Senate passed safety measures S. 1072 but was opposed by the House leaders and the Bush administration. Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, renewed its call on Congress to approve safety measures in S. 1072, requiring all SUVs and pickup trucks to meet a stability standard. They also require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to evaluate Electronic Stability Control systems, which is technology available on higher end vehicles that Consumers Union''s testing has shown to be effective in preventing rollovers.
According to the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, over the last 18 months it has been trying to reach agreement on how to reduce deaths and injuries in rollover crashes. The auto industry has been widely criticized for its attempts to continue to avoid safety legislation despite available, cost-effective ways to implement SUV rollover protection. If Congress mandates rollover tests on vehicles done annually before a model year begins and the NHTSA requires dealers to post the results on vehicle windows in showrooms just as fuel efficiency ratings currently are, it can also help consumers make more informed decisions and raise awareness on driving SUVs with more care.
Congress has finally required the NHTSA to provide specific test results on rollovers. The challenge remains to make this information more available and setting standards for stability that all vehicles must meet. Automakers have blamed the SUV rollover lawsuits for delays in coming up with standards for rollover protection, but consumers and advocates believe the lawsuits are in response to injuries and deaths suffered because of the industry dodging regulation for so many years.
Copyright © 2001 - 2012 Online Lawyer Source
ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT—Thank you for your visit. The content published on this website was not written by medical professionals and should not, at any point, be mistaken for medical advice. Furthermore, the information on this site is intended for educational purposes only and should never interfere with a patient/site visitor and his or her healthcare provider. In addition, viewing the content on this website, requesting additional information, or transmitting information through a contact form should never be considered the formation of an attorney-client relationship. The material published on this site is general and may not apply to your specific circumstances. Every case comes with its own set of unique circumstances; past success discussed on this site does not guarantee future performance. Information found on this website should not be used as incentive to act without seeking counsel from a professional. For more information, please read our disclaimer.