NHTSA’s September Scrutiny

September was a difficult month for NHTSA. During one week alone, a New York Times article blasted NHTSA for failing to investigate a number of defects that later resulted in injuries and fatalities and, ultimately, recalls; the House Energy & Commerce Committee issued a scathing report concerning NHTSA's handling of the GM ignition switch defect; and Deputy NHTSA Administrator David Friedman was grilled by the Senate Commerce Committee over the GM ignition switch defect and NHTSA's oversight of the automotive industry generally.

Here are the key points from Deputy Administrator Friedman's appearance before the Senate committee:

• NHTSA will continue to be more aggressive as it implements the "new normal" (Friedman's phrase) in addressing defects.