NHTSA finalizes rear seatbelt reminder rule in new cars

WASHINGTON, DC—New vehicles are safer than they’ve ever been, but there’s always room for improvement. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently finalized a new rule requiring seatbelt warning systems for both front and rear passengers (PDF), which is expected to save 50 lives and prevent over 500 injuries annually. This rule amends Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, […]

NHTSA announces $171 million in grants to 19 states to upgrade crash data collection systems

BALTIMORE, MD—The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a significant allocation of $171 million in grants to 19 states and territories. The funding aims to upgrade and standardize crash data collection systems, enhancing the accuracy, timeliness, and accessibility of vital fatality information, including data about pedestrians and cyclists. This initiative, driven by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will facilitate […]

NHTSA kicks off ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ holiday campaign

BALTIMORE, MD—The holiday season is upon us, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reminding drivers to plan ahead for sober rides home. The agency’s annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign kicked off today, aiming to reduce drunk and impaired driving over the holidays. “Alcohol-impaired driving remains a leading cause of fatal traffic crashes in the […]

Britax recalls One4Life Slim ClickTight All-in-One car seats

BALTIMORE, MD—Britax Child Safety, Inc. is recalling certain One4Life Slim ClickTight All-in-One car seats. Car seats with the following model numbers are being recalled: E1D197A E1D197B E1D197F E1D197G The labels and user guide incorrectly state the maximum rear-facing lower anchor weight. As such, these child seats fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 213, […]

Ford hit with record $165 million fine for delayed recalls

WASHINGTON, DC—Ford has been fined $165 million by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for not recalling vehicles with defective rearview cameras quickly enough. The fine is the second largest in the agency’s history, second only to the Takata air bag consent order. According to the NHTSA, Ford failed to recall vehicles with defective rearview cameras in a timely manner. […]

MDOT SHA, MVA urge motorists to use extra caution as days grow shorter

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) and Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office (MDOT MVA) are reminding motorists to exercise extra caution this autumn as days grow shorter. With Halloween approaching and the sun setting earlier, officials say pedestrian and cyclist safety are paramount. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) designates October as National […]

Chrysler recalls over 150K plug-in hybrid vehicles due to fire risk

BALTIMORE, MD—Chrysler has issued a recall for over 154,000 Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrid electric vehicles due to a risk of fire while parked or driven. The recall affects 118,230 Jeep Wrangler PHEVs manufactured between 2020 and 2024, and 35,802 Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEVs from 2022 to 2024. The issue stems from a potential fault in the high-voltage […]

Maryland DOT urges caution near school buses as students return to class

BALTIMORE, MD—With the new school year fast approaching, the Maryland Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to take extra precautions when driving near school buses. MDOT says more than 600,000 Maryland students will be taking the bus to and from school this year. Officials say the safety of students is of the utmost importance, and therefore, the MVA is stressing […]