Safety Research & Strategies, Inc. reported on the recent confirmation hearing of Heidi King to become the NHTSA Administrator:

One note The Safety Record thought that everyone ought to hit a lot harder is that three automakers that we know of – Ford, GM and Fiat Chrysler – have installed automatic engine shutoffs on at least some of their keyless models. Manufacturers hated NHTSA’s 2011 proposal because they thought the decibel level for the audible alert that would be required was too loud. Automakers are loathe to implement features that annoy their customers – it’s a thread of concern that continues to show up. That’s why an automatic engine shut-off, set for a reasonable length of time is a good engineered solution. The software fix is inexpensive modern vehicles contain all the required hardware to make this happen.  

In 2011, the agency rejected the possibility of such a regulation, arguing that they couldn’t pick an interval after which the vehicle would automatically shut down. But maybe it’s time to re-think that. Or maybe the agency will follow a time-honored tradition and wait long enough for 90 percent of the industry to do it voluntarily, and then publish a new Final Rule.

I have a better strategy for NHTSA to address the underride problem. Don’t wait around for the industry to get around to maybe someday perhaps voluntarily putting on improved rear guards on all trucks plus side guards plus front underride protection plus retrofitting the millions of trailers already on the road, along with Single Unit Trucks, and, of course, properly MAINTAIN them all.

No, instead, do a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SNPRM) now that would mandate all of those good, life-saving things. And, by the way, benefit the industry as well in so many ways!

SUPPLEMENTAL RULEMAKING Guidelines