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Consumer Advocacy Voices Concerns to DOT Secretary

On Wednesday, Secretary Duffy received a letter from Consumer Reports expressing significant concerns regarding the resources available to the Department of Transportation (DOT). The advocacy group emphasized that in order for DOT agencies, comprised of skilled public servants, to fulfill their roles in education, research, standards, and enforcement, they require adequate funding and support. The letter insisted that consumers deserve a proactive response from the department as they face evolving transportation challenges.

Consumer Reports has been actively testing new automotive technologies for several years and urged Secretary Duffy to resist any industry pressures aimed at diluting or postponing regulations that would enforce automatic emergency braking systems in vehicles. The organization highlighted the necessity of prioritizing pedestrian safety, rigorously testing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), partially automated driving systems, and fully autonomous vehicles, as well as the enforcement of stringent fuel economy standards. These elements are deemed essential for advancing consumer protection in the automotive landscape.

“The DOT has an important opportunity to address existing safety gaps and ensure that technological innovations translate into tangible benefits for consumers. It is crucial that this opportunity is not overlooked,” Consumer Reports stressed in the correspondence.

A spokesperson for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conveyed that Secretary Duffy is deeply sympathetic to the families affected by vehicular incidents and is dedicated to addressing their concerns seriously. “As the Secretary made clear during his confirmation hearing, he is committed to ensuring that NHTSA’s investigative processes are guided by evidence and carried out objectively. Safety remains our primary focus, and we will continue to enforce regulations across all motor vehicle manufacturers in alignment with the Vehicle Safety Act and our data-driven, risk-based investigatory approach,” the spokesperson stated.

Source
arstechnica.com