More Evidence of Toyota's Culpability: Exec Memos Debated When to Disclose

 

In the continuing saga regarding Toyota's runaway acceleration recall, an executive email written in January, just before the first massive recall, was just disclosed, urging fellow decision makers to "not mention about the mechanical failures." At least one person objected to this suggestion, and pleaded with them to "come clean." The prevailing email declared that "The time to hide on this one is over." Thankfully the company did "come clean" five days later, and initiated the first recall.


For more, take a look at the L.A. Times article on the matter here. 

FMCSA Requirement for Trucking "Black Box" Recorders Will Save Lives

This past Friday, April 2, 2010, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced a new rule requiring trucking and busing companies with frequent hours of service violations to install "black box" data recorders, similar to airplane data recorders, in their vehicles starting June 1, 2012. These devices, called electronic on-board recorders (EOBRs), will automatically record the number of hours a driver spends operating the vehicle.

Only companies with a "pattern of hours-of-service violations" will be subject to the rule. This translates to "10 percent or more HOS (hours-of-service) violations during a compliance review." Thus, companies which have maintained a record of steadfast compliance will not be required to install these recorders. In the words of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, "We are committed to cracking down on carriers and drivers who put people on our roads and highways at risk." This rule has the potential to significantly cut down the number of tired drivers on the highways, and the associated fatalities.

You can read the FMCSA press release here:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/news/news-releases/2010/Electronic-On-Board-Recorders-for-Truck-and-Bus-Companies.aspx

NHTSA Seeking Maximum Civil Penalties Against Toyota

In an announcement dated April 5 from Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood through the news arm of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the announcement was made that NHTSA will be seeking the maximum civil penalties of $16.375 million against Toyota. The penalty stems from Toyota failing to notify NHTSA for at least four months of the dangerous sticky pedals that have led to a number of automobile accidents. This would be the largest penalty ever accessed by NHTSA against any auto maker.

For the full article click here.