Federal shutdown put drivers at risk, safety groups say
Washington — The five-week partial government shutdown hobbled the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s ability to enforce automotive recalls and investigate thousands of complaints about potential safety defects, according to groups that advocate for highway safety.
They say the 35-day shutdown hampered the National Transportation Safety Board's efforts to investigate accidents, which could have ramifications down the line for automakers' ability to learn from crash reports.
NHTSA, which furloughed 331 employees during the shutdown, issued zero recalls in January. Safety groups say the shutdown took a toll on NHTSA’s ability to enforce automotive recalls.
The groups have encouraged Kia and Hyundai to recall approximately 3 million cars that they argue are at risk of having their engines catch fire, but the South Korean automaker has thus far only recalled 168,000.
NHTSA launched an investigation of the Kia and Hyundai complaints in August, but was unable to compel the South Korean automakers to broaden the scope of their recall because the transportation department was shut down, said Jason Levine, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety.
"There was no one at NHTSA to say 'What are you doing? That's not enough,'" he said, noting that there was no one at the agency to review complaints that are typically used to determine if other investigations should be launched.
"During the 35 days, NHTSA was still receiving complaints, but there was no one there to review them," Levine said, noting complaints sent to NHTSA often prompt investigations that led to recalls if officials at the agency spot trends.
Read more: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2019/02/01/shutdown-put-drivers-risk-safety-groups-say/2713121002/
NHTSA, which furloughed 331 employees during the shutdown, issued zero recalls in January. Safety groups say the shutdown took a toll on NHTSA’s ability to enforce automotive recalls. (Photo: LM Otero, AP)