Traffic Fatalities for 2009 Reach Record Low

March 11: Overall traffic fatalities reported at the end of 2009 reached the lowest level since 1954, declining for the 15th consecutive quarter. The projected data puts the highway death count at 33,963, down 8.9% from 37,261 in 2008.
News Release l Preliminary '09 fatality data

New Sample Bill will Aid States in Banning Texting While Driving

Feb. 22: Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today unveiled sample legislation to be used as a starting point for states crafting new laws to prohibit texting while behind the wheel, the latest step in the campaign against distracted driving.
News Release l Read the Sample Law

NHTSA Launches Probe into Timeliness of Three Toyota Recalls

Feb. 16: NHTSA announced today it is using its statutory authority to obtain documents from Toyota to determine if the automaker conducted three of its recent recalls in a timely manner.
News Release

NHTSA’s Advice to Toyota Customers

Feb. 10: Toyota consumers should check the provided list of recalled vehicles and pay close attention to their vehicles. If you are experiencing any problems with your Toyota vehicle, park the vehicle in a safe place and immediately call your Toyota dealer or Toyota’s North American headquarters at 1-800-331-4331.
Consumer Advisory

Department of Transportation Responds to Third Toyota Recall

Feb. 9: The DOT learned today of a third Toyota recall involving 2010 Prius hybrids and Lexus HS 250h vehicles experiencing brake system problems. Some 2010 Camrys prone to brake fluid leaks have also been recalled. "Last Thursday, NHTSA opened a formal investigation of 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles in response to consumer complaints about braking difficulties, and today, Toyota has acknowledged a safety defect," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. LaHood also reminded owners of affected vehicles: "If you are concerned about your car's braking performance, contact your Toyota dealer."
News Release

Investigation Opened Regarding 2010 Toyota Prius Braking Issue

Feb. 4: NHTSA today announced it is opening a formal investigation of the Toyota Prius Hybrid model year 2010 to look into allegations of momentary loss of braking capability while traveling over an uneven road surface, pothole or bump.
News Release

Transportation Secretary LaHood Statement on Toyota Recalls

Feb. 3: Today, Sec. Ray LaHood made the following statement on the Toyota recalls: “I want to encourage owners of any recalled Toyota models to contact their local dealer and get their vehicles fixed as soon as possible. NHTSA will continue to hold Toyota’s feet to the fire to make sure that they are doing everything they have promised to make their vehicles safe. We will continue to investigate all possible causes of these safety issues.”

Toyota Owners Advised of Actions to Take Regarding Two Separate Recalls

Feb. 1: NHTSA today informed owners of certain Toyota, Lexus and Pontiac Vibe vehicles about actions they should take if the accelerator gets stuck or is slow to return under certain conditions.
Read the Advisory for Complete Details

Toyota Announces Fix for Accelerator Pedal Entrapment Problem

NHTSA announced that Toyota has identified a vehicle-based remedy to fix a sudden acceleration safety issue involving floor mats trapping accelerator pedals in various Toyota and Lexus models.
News Release