Bill package aims to improve automotive, traffic safety

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Four bills recently re-introduced in the U.S. Senate aim to improve automotive and traffic safety nationwide.

The Promoting Auto Recalls Toward Safety Act would authorize the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to award states grants to notify registered motor vehicle owners about manufacturer-issued safety recalls.

The bill also requires an annual scorecard on how effectively automakers complete any recalls and require additional reporting.

The Early Warning Reporting Systems Improvement Act would require auto manufacturers to provide more information about incidents involving fatalities and serious injuries directly to the public. It also requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to make the information it receives publicly available in a user-friendly format.

The Stay Aware for Everyone Act would require the DOT to study how driver-monitoring systems can prevent driver distraction, driver disengagement, automation complacency, and the foreseeable misuse of advanced driver-assist systems.

It also requires rulemaking to mandate the installation of driver-monitoring systems based on the results of the study.

The Modernizing Seat Back Safety Act would require NHTSA to update its standards for seat back integrity in new cars.

U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee members, re-introduced the bills.