Anyone who has driven a car knows that if the car is not operated correctly, it can be dangerous. If people do not focus their attention to driving, they can easily cause an accident. But, inattentive or reckless driving is not the only way that a car accident can occur. Accidents and injuries can also result from auto product defects. If a car is not properly built, it can malfunction, causing serious injuries or death.
In order to help prevent defective cars from causing injuries, the government has stepped in and enacted certain safety standards that must be met in all vehicles. The Motor Vehicle Safety Law was passed in order to mandate car safety. As part of this law, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was given the authority to issue safety standards and other car-related regulations.
Under this authority, the NHTSA issued the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations. These regulations set minimum safety standards on a variety of car-related issues. One area that is regulated are the car accident avoidance systems. These include the brakes, windshields, tires, mirrors, lights and other warning devices.
These regulations also dictate a car’s minimum crashworthiness. These regulations deal with a car’s ability to withstand an accident. This includes regulations about the car’s head restraints, seatbelts, child restraints, seats and roof. The car’s response to an accident is also regulated. This includes the integrity of the fueling system. Additional regulations — including defect notification regulations — also apply in certain specific situations.
When manufacturers ignore or fail to meet safety standards, accidents are a real possibility. People who have been injured because of a product defect may wish to speak with an attorney regarding the auto product liability of the manufacturer.
Source: nhtsa.gov, “FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS,” Accessed May 30, 2015