State Senator Urging Extension for Rule on Roof-Crush

Drew Dixon

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Each year more than 10,000 people are killed in rollover crashes making roof safety standards important. However, roof safety standards have not be revised in more than three decades. In a recent press release, Mark Pryor, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Automobile Safety, Consumer Affairs and Insurance, stated that he would like to see a smart standard for all vehicles.

Senator Pryor held an oversight hearing earlier this month, in which the committee reviewed the traffic safety administration's progress on the rule making and public hearing process. Following the meeting Senator Pryor sent a letter encouraging U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, to extend the current deadline for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's proposed rule on vehicle roof strength.

In his letter Senator Pryor stated, "NHTSA should take all needed time to get this rule making right. Most importantly, the NHTSA should remove preemption provisions to ensure that vehicle manufacturers do not receive total immunity from claims brought by vehicle purchasers and users."

I praise Senator Pryor on his decision to give the NHTSA more time because making sure the rule is right the first time will ultimately save more lives.