The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported U.S. traffic deaths declined 3.2% during the first six months of this year. Fatalities have declined for nine straight quarters. Read the story at Headlight.News.
NHTSA
Automakers Demand Rollback of New Pedestrian Safety Rules
With fatalities rising fast, NHTSA has enacted rules requiring the use of sophisticated detection and auto-braking technologies intended to protect pedestrian – as well as those riding bicycles and motorcycles. But automakers are pushing back, claiming they can’t meet the new mandates set to go into effect in 2029.
Kia Issues “Park Outside” Recall for 462,869 Telluride SUVs
Kia recalled more than 462,000 Telluride SUVs from the 2020-2024 model years. As part of the action, the South Korean automaker issued a “park outside” order due to the potential for fire. Get details at Headlight.News.
Tesla Recalling 125K Vehicles Due to Seat Belt Issue
EV maker Tesla announced plans to recall more than 125,000 vehicles due to a problem with the seat belt warning system. The malfunction can cause the system to fail, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Get details at Headlight.News.
Tesla Autopilot Has Critcal Safety Gap, Federal Investigation Links Feature To Hundreds Of Crashes
NHTSA closes three year investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot feature after the company announced a recall in December. Agency states the system has critical safety gap that contributed to hundreds of incidents and a growing tally of fatalities.
Highway Fatalities Fell in 2023 – But Are Still Up Over Pre-COVID Totals
Federal regulators said the number of Americans who died in highway crashes last year fell by 3.6%. But the total is still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, with safety experts pointing to a variety of causes, including distracted and drunk driving, as well as failure by passengers to wear seatbelts.
IIHS Tightens Requirements for Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick + Awards
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tightened Its qualification criteria for Top Safety Pick Awards. The organization cited demand for better side crash protection and improved pedestrian detection systems as key reasons for making these changes. Get details at Headlight.News.
Ford Recalls Over 2 Million Explorers; Trim Parts Can Fly Off
Ford recalled more than 2 million Explorer SUVs. The automaker told federal regulators that trim parts may not have been attached properly and could fly off while driving, potentially leading to a crash. More from Headlight.News.
Porsche, Audi Recall 130,000 EVs and PHEVs Due to Fire Risk
Porsche and Audi dealing with two actions, one of which isn’t about the vehicles, but the charging cables. The other recall covers just 205 Porsche Taycans at risk for fire due to overcharging. Get details at Headlight.News.
Automakers Battling NHTSA to Halt Another Massive Airbag Recall
Airbags have saved so many lives during the past two decades, but they’ve also been the cause of the largest single automotive recall in history. Automakers are currently fighting an effort by federal safety regulators recall 52 million airbag inflators. It would be the second-largest recall. Get details at Headlight.News.
Technology Could Help Eliminate Drunk Driving
Passive alcohol-detection systems are mandated by law. But don’t expect them to arrive without controversy. The first steps toward mandating car technology passive alcohol-detection systems that prevent drunk or impaired driving will become reality under a new federal...
Tesla Recalls 2 Million Vehicles Over Autopilot Safety Concerns
Tesla will recall 2 million EVs sold in the U.S. to make significant updates to its Autopilot system. As Headlight.News reported Tuesday, the semi-autonomous technology has come under fire because, among other things, it can be used on roads for which it was not designed. That has been linked to numerous fatal crashes. But Tesla put a positive spin on the issue, CEO Elon Musk claiming the recall is part of a “moral obligation” to ensure the safety of its vehicles.