Tag Archives: Safety

Autonomous Automobiles And Legal Liability

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In 2012 when Google first tested their self driving car, they said that “even though the project is still in the experimental stage, it would provide a glimpse into the future of what automobiles will be able to do.” They felt that self driving cars would make it safer for motorist on the roads, improve fuel efficiency of vehicles and increase the number of people being transported.

Now, just a little over a year later, automobile technology has come one step closer to driver-less vehicles. Automobile manufacturers are already using autonomous technology to assist and in some cases correct drivers actions; but technologist, legal scholars and government regulators are debating the legal implications of the technology. They all agree that there is a potential to reduce human error and allow better fuel efficiency, but question of legal liability, privacy and insurance regulations still need to be addressed. According to O. Kevin Vincent, chief counsel of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “the federal government does not have enough information to determine how to regulate driver-less technologies.” The technology relies heavily on global positioning satellite data and other systems, which are vulnerable to jamming by malicious computer hackers.

Google has already been lobbying states to permit autonomous driving, which indicates that the company may hope to introduce such vehicles soon. Nevada became the first state to legalize driver-less vehicles last year, , and similar laws have now been introduced before legislatures in Florida and Hawaii. It is expected that a similar bill will be introduced in California soon.

NAS Recommends Improvements To The NHTSA

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is being urged by the National Academy of Science (NAS) to refine its investigative techniques and add technical help to meet increasingly complex automobile technology. The academy feels that the NHTSA lacks the understanding of hardware and software automakers are installing in their new vehicles, which became prevalent during the NHTSAs investigation into unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles in 2009/2010. Members of the NAS said that the NHTSA did all they could during the investigation, but a lack of understanding of the technology slowed down the process.

Some of the recommendation made by the NAS include:

  • A push to have automakers install “black boxes” on all new vehicles to record crash data.
  • The federal agency form an advisory panel of specialists who can assist both in regulatory reviews and specific vehicle investigations.
  • Review of how the agency’s investigators share data with its researchers.

The safety agency says it has already taken steps to strengthen its expertise in electronic control systems, and will continue to work with the National Academy of Sciences to do more to ensure the safety of consumers.

New Salvage Title Law Protects The Auto Consumer

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California is working to keep potentially hazardous salvaged vehicles off the road with the implementation of the states first salvage title law. The new law, scheduled to go into effect starting July 1, 2012, requires all new and used car dealers to report and check vehicle titles through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). The data base will be be maintained by the U.S. Department of Justice, and all insurance agencies, salvage yards, car dealerships, tow companies, body shops, and state motor vehicle departments will be required to report any salvage, junk, or flood title vehicles. Automobile dealerships, or anyone selling more than five used cars a year, must acquire the vehicle history report through the NMVTIS, and any salvaged or repaired salvaged vehicles will be branded. Private sales are not required to have the NMVTIS report, so buyers should be extra cautious when buying privately. Information on vehicles can be obtained through the NMVTIS, AutoCheck®, or CarFax. Currently, almost 90% of the U.S. DMV data is represented in the NMVTIS system.

Ford Escape Brake Problems

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Ford is recalling certain 2001-2002 Escape SUVs for a problem with the brake system, that could lead to a fire. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the master cylinder reservoir cap could leak fluid onto an anti-lock brake system (ABS) wiring harness connector, causing it to corrode. The corroded connector could short, overheat, and eventually start a fire. Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap and the ABS electrical system will be modified. Ford will be notifying customers starting the last week of January, but because of parts delays, instructions will be given to park vehicles outside until parts become available. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Mitsubishi Turn Signal Defect

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Mitsubishi has announced a recall for a small number of 2012 Outlander Sport crossover vehicles manufactured between November 9, 2011 to December 16, 2011. According to reports filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the turn signal levers may have been manufactured incorrectly which could lead to the auto cancel function becoming inoperative. If a driver is not aware of the problem, inaccurate turning indications could result in an accident. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

Chevy Volts Repaired But Not Recalled

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General Motors is asking its Chevrolet Volt customers to return their vehicles to dealers so they can make repairs that will lower the risk of battery fires. The announcement comes after an investigation into a battery fire that consumed three vehicles at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) test facility. Follow-up tests to simulate the incident resulted in two out of three vehicles catching fire. GM and federal safety officials believe that the fires were caused by coolant leaking from damaged plastic casing around the batteries after a side-impact collisions. That coolant caused an electrical short, which sparked battery fires seven days to three weeks after the crashes.

Dealers will add steel plates around the Volt battery that will spread the force of a crash over a larger surface area. Tests carried out by GM and the government have shown that the repairs prevent battery damage and coolant leaks.

Nissan Reports Oil Leak Problems

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Nissan has announced that they will be recalling certain Nissan and Infiniti vehicles for oil cooler and oil filter bolts that may have been manufactured below specifications. If the bolts break, sever oil leaks could lead to a reduced engine oil pressure and eventually to a seized engine. Under the recall Nissan will replace the connector bolts on the following vehicles:

Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261

Missing Brake Pads On Chevy Sonic

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General Motors (GM) has issued a recall on some 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles that may have been manufactured without the front brake inner or outer brake pads. The missing pads will significantly reduce brake performance increasing the chances of a crash. GM will inspect and install missing inner or outer pads, a new brake caliper and new rotors as necessary. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.