Safety Expert: Toyota Problems Could Distract from Serious Issues

The full extent of defects in Toyota accelerators, brakes, and other equipment may not be known for years, according to automotive safety expert John Graham, dean of the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

But the immediate risk, he said, is that Toyota's problems may cause regulators, elected officials, and the public to steer away from more effective safety-improvement strategies: reducing drinking and driving, increasing the use of seat belts and child safety restraints, and curbing distracted driving.

"If politicians allow the Toyota issues to dominate the government safety agenda, the more crucial safety challenges that need to be addressed are likely to be neglected," Graham said.

Toyota has recalled more than 7 million vehicles in recent months for problems that include sticking accelerator pedals on several models and braking problems on Prius hybrids.

Graham said the best way for Toyota to handle public concerns about safety is to be open about what company officials know and don't know, and what they are doing to address the problems. He said government regulators should examine the Toyota issue carefully, but fixing defects should not become the main focus of safety efforts.

"The history of the auto industry reveals that the public concern about vehicle defect cases is often far greater than is justified by the actual degree of risk," Graham said. "This is what we now realize about the Ford Pinto gas-tank concerns in the 1970s, the Ford 'park-to-reverse' issue in the 1980s, and the airbag-induced injury claims in the 1990s."

Graham said peer-reviewed studies have made the case that focusing on vehicle defects is an ineffective use of government resources when compared with strengthening standards for equipment that improves safety, such as side-impact airbags and technologies that reduce the likelihood of rollover.

"For every one death associated with vehicle defects, there are probably on the order of hundreds of deaths associated with preventable design issues and behavioral issues on the part of drivers," he said.

Graham, former administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, U.S. Office of Management and Budget, has published extensively on the costs and benefits of risk-reduction technologies. He is the author of the forthcoming "Bush on the Home Front: Domestic Policy Triumphs and Failures," from Indiana University Press.

Download Center

  • Hand Safety Program

    Hand injuries are the #1 preventable industrial accident worldwide. In REThink Hand Safety, the most comprehensive book on hand safety, you'll learn how top companies have reduced hand injuries by up to 90% and what the most successful hand safety programs have in common. Get your free copy today.

  • Free 1-on-1 Consultations

    Get a free meeting with a Superior Glove hand safety expert and learn how to have less hand injuries, lower PPE costs, and increase worker productivity. 1-on-1 consultations provide you with personalized advice and recommendations for your specific needs and concerns.

  • Glove 101 Guide

    In this comprehensive guide, we've compiled all the key information you need to know about safety gloves to help you make informed decisions when choosing gloves for your workers. Whether you're new to the world of safety gloves or an experienced pro, this guide has something for everyone.

  • Sample Program

    Find the right safety gloves for your team and try before you buy—in just 3 easy steps! Simply add the products to your sample box, complete the request form, and wait for your samples to arrive at no cost to you.

  • Cut Protection Product Guide

    Find the right safety gloves for your workers to protect them from cut hazards. This guide offers a wide selection of gloves, including ultra-thin gloves with the industry’s maximum cut resistance for unbeatable dexterity and touch sensitivity.

  • Superior Glove

Featured Whitepaper

OH&S Digital Edition

  • OHS Magazine Digital Edition - February March 2023

    February March 2023

    Featuring:

    • IH: GAS DETECTION
      Does Real-Time Data Enhance Gas Detection Programs?
    • PPE: HEARING PROTECTION
      Hearing Protection: The Dangers of Non-Compliance
    • PPE: PROTECTIVE APPAREL
      Personal Protective Equipment: The Pains of Staying Pain-Free
    • CONSTRUCTION SAFETY
      Reframing Eyewear: Meeting Workforce Needs with Technology and Advancements
    View This Issue