Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal, together with Senator Markey of Massachusetts, has reintroduced four bills that could have a measurable impact on auto and traffic safety in Connecticut and the nation.
The Senators are hoping the bills will become part of President Biden's emerging comprehensive infrastructure program.
Here is a quick summary of each bill:
- Early Warning Reporting Systems Improvement Act. This bill comes in reaction to the low number of auto defect investigations launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration during the Trump administration. This bill requires that auto manufacturers more quickly release information to the public on any injuries and fatalities resulting from the use of their vehicles.
- Stay Aware for Everyone (SAFE) Act. The problem of distracted driving is the focus of this bill. The SAFE Act will require the U.S. Department of Transportation to study how onboard driver monitoring systems might prevent driver distractions, driver complacency, and the misuse of advanced driver assist technology. If the study demonstrates the value of driver monitoring systems, this bill also mandates the installation of these systems on new vehicles.
- Promoting Auto Recalls Toward Safety (PARTS) Act. This bill would increase the speed of auto recalls after dangerous product flaws are uncovered. This act will require the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide grants to states, giving states the resources to more rapidly alert consumers when recalls are issued. It will also set up a system for scoring how well and how quickly car manufacturers recall dangerous vehicles.
- Modernizing Seat Back Safety Act. This bill seeks to improve auto seatbacks safety standards. Poorly designed seatbacks are a source of thousands of injuries and deaths annually in the U.S. The legislation will require that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration update its standards for seatbacks for all new cars.
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, the Center for Auto Safety, Consumer Federation of America, Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety, KidsAndCars.org, the National Consumers League, Consumer Reports, Safety Research and Strategies, Safe Roads Alliance, and EndDD.org have all endorsed these pieces of legislation.
If you or a loved one are ever in a car accident in Connecticut, know that the Connecticut car accident lawyers at RisCassi & Davis have been assisting people like you who've been injured in these accidents for over 60 years. And we have received both state and national recognition for our work in this area. If you are ever injured in an accident of any kind and would like a free consultation with one of our Connecticut injury lawyers, please contact us. There is no obligation.