Feds Seek Tougher Car Safety Testing

The Bush administration proposed tougher car safety crash tests Monday and the addition of a side impact test in a move that would make it harder for vehicles to earn top marks in the government's star rating system. The new tests may draw the ire of automakers because federal officials want fewer models to receive the top five-star rating in an effort to reward vehicles that have more safety features. But that could dissuade customers from buying low-cost cars that often don't have advanced safety technologies.

The call by U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters to reform the 27-year-old new car assessment program comes nearly two years after a Government Accountability Office report suggested the government's safety rating system was ineffective.


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mstangpny07 - 1/9/2007 5:17:21 PM

+1 Boost

finally! They should have done this awile ago to catch up with IIHS

truckmen - 1/10/2007 5:03:00 PM

+1 Boost

Great!I would like to see side impact on all vehicles with higher bumper height and weight the equivelant of a one ton 4x4! Other wise it is meaningless to have ratings.In the real world can we dictate the size of the vehicle we are going to be in an accident with? Good for George!