Car Safety & Sustainability

More than 35,000 people die in vehicle-related crashes in the U.S. each year. On top of that, auto emissions contribute to 70,000 annual pollution-related deaths here, and are among the largest contributors to climate change. That's why Consumer Reports is pushing for cars that are safer, pollute less, and run more efficiently.

Specifically, we seek an automotive marketplace that:

1

Provides safety, affordability, efficiency, and low emissions as standard features on every vehicle.

2

Dramatically reduces fatalities from crashes and pollution from transportation.

3

Holds automakers and other mobility companies accountable for the safety, accessibility, privacy, and emissions of their products and services.

4

Supports safe, equitable and affordable innovations for electric, shared, and-one day-autonomous vehicles.

Specifically, we seek an automotive marketplace that:

1

Provides safety, affordability, efficiency, and low emissions as standard features on every vehicle.

2

Dramatically reduces fatalities from crashes and pollution from transportation.

3

Holds automakers and other mobility companies accountable for the safety, accessibility, privacy, and emissions of their products and services.

4

Supports safe, equitable and affordable innovations for electric, shared, and-one day-autonomous vehicles.

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How Consumer Reports Pushes for Safer and More Efficient Cars

Here are some of the key milestones in CR's decades-long campaign.

1968

Safety Belt Law

In 1956, CR tests show that two-thirds of seat belts fail basic safety and durability tests, prompting federal standards based on actual crash testing. CU continues tests until the government mandates them in the front seats of new cars in 1968.

1968

Safety Belt Law

In 1956, CR tests show that two-thirds of seat belts fail basic safety and durability tests, prompting federal standards based on actual crash testing. CU continues tests until the government mandates them in the front seats of new cars in 1968.

1981

New Child Safety Seat Standards

When CR first crash-tests car seats in 1972, 12 out of 15 are rated Not Acceptable. As of Jan. 1981, all car seat manufacturers must certify that their seats would pass a crash test like the one that CR used and had proposed to the government.

1981

New Child Safety Seat Standards

When CR first crash-tests car seats in 1972, 12 out of 15 are rated Not Acceptable. As of Jan. 1981, all car seat manufacturers must certify that their seats would pass a crash test like the one that CR used and had proposed to the government.

1995

California Child Safety Seat Law

CU sponsors a California law mandating greater public education about the state's child safety seat law, and improved statewide programs that offer low-cost and loaner child safety seats to low-income consumers.

1995

California Child Safety Seat Law

CU sponsors a California law mandating greater public education about the state's child safety seat law, and improved statewide programs that offer low-cost and loaner child safety seats to low-income consumers.

2000

California's Lemon Law

CU helps to pass a California law making it easier for consumers who purchase a defective new car to seek relief. It requires manufacturers to replace or buy back a car after reasonable attempts to fix a defect that makes the car unsafe have failed.

2000

California's Lemon Law

CU helps to pass a California law making it easier for consumers who purchase a defective new car to seek relief. It requires manufacturers to replace or buy back a car after reasonable attempts to fix a defect that makes the car unsafe have failed.

2000

Stronger Child Safety Seat Law

CU helps to pass a California law making it illegal to allow young children to ride unrestrained by car seats.

2000

Stronger Child Safety Seat Law

CU helps to pass a California law making it illegal to allow young children to ride unrestrained by car seats.

2002

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards

CU works to pass landmark legislation in California that sets the highest standards for greenhouse gas emissions in the nation.

2002

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards

CU works to pass landmark legislation in California that sets the highest standards for greenhouse gas emissions in the nation.

2005

Anti-Rollover Technology

In 2005, CR decides not to recommend any SUV that doesn't come standard with anti-rollover technology (called electronic stability control). The move speeds industrywide adoption of the technology, which wasn't required on new cars by law until 2012.

2005

Anti-Rollover Technology

In 2005, CR decides not to recommend any SUV that doesn't come standard with anti-rollover technology (called electronic stability control). The move speeds industrywide adoption of the technology, which wasn't required on new cars by law until 2012.

2012

More Fuel-Efficient Cars

The federal government announces a new landmark fuel-efficiency standard: 54.5 mpg by 2025. Armed with data from auto testing and consumer surveys, CR is a vocal advocate for the new standard.

2012

More Fuel-Efficient Cars

The federal government announces a new landmark fuel-efficiency standard: 54.5 mpg by 2025. Armed with data from auto testing and consumer surveys, CR is a vocal advocate for the new standard.

2014

Backup Cameras

In 2008 Congress mandates that most vehicles come standard with backup cameras-but the rule is delayed until CR and other safety advocates file a lawsuit in 2014. One day before the case goes to court, DOT implements the mandate with a 2018 deadline.

2014

Backup Cameras

In 2008 Congress mandates that most vehicles come standard with backup cameras-but the rule is delayed until CR and other safety advocates file a lawsuit in 2014. One day before the case goes to court, DOT implements the mandate with a 2018 deadline.

Let's continue to improve car safety, efficiency, and economy

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