Released: September 11, 2008

New car accident database lacking

Source: Ken Bensinger, L.A.Times (Free Registration)

Long-awaited information on serious vehicle accidents was released to the public Wednesday by the federal government, but crucial data on tires and child-safety seats was withheld.

In July, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled that the so-called Early Warning data—information on specific products, automobiles and equipment linked to accidents involving death, injury or property damage—must be published. The decision in effect ended five years of industry challenges to the release of such information.

However, the database on the website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, www.safercar.gov , contains only information from automobile manufacturers. It lacks data from tire makers, child-restraint producers and motorcycle companies, even though they are all compelled by law to report such information to the NHTSA.

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