WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statement on new findings by the U.S. Department of Transportation Inspector General about factors that have undermined efforts by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to identify and investigate vehicle safety concerns, including deadly defective ignition switches in General Motors vehicles.

“Fundamental failings within NHTSA crippled efforts to identify vehicle defects causing deaths and injuries. The inspector general’s report raises serious concerns, including NHTSA’s inability to conduct accurate analysis, as well as its failure to provide necessary training and supervision to its staff. 

“NHTSA’s mismanagement of resources means key safety defects may not even be targeted for investigation. This new audit is littered with instances in which NHTSA repeatedly dropped the ball when it had chances to identify the existence and causes of significant vehicle safety defects. These issues cannot be solved just by throwing money at the department. NHTSA owes the public an explanation, and I look forward to Administrator Rosekind’s testimony before the Committee tomorrow on his plans for accountability and implementing the inspector general’s recommendations.”

Click here for the full report by the Department of Transportation Inspector General.

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