The data we had weren’t sufficient

Safety is our top priority. Over the past 10 years, NHTSA defect investigations resulted in 1,299 recalls involving more than 95 million vehicles and items of motor vehicle equipment, which has helped us reduce vehicle fatalities to historic, all- time lows. We have also obtained record fines from automakers who have failed to promptly report defects to us.

We use a number of tools to identify defects, including state- of- the- art software that identifies patterns in our databases and experienced investigators who personally review all of the 45,000 complaints we receive each year. But just like a prosecutor needs sufficient evidence to bring a case to court, we must have sufficient data to support opening a formal investigation.

In this case, we followed our investigation process — looking at consumer complaints, early warning data and industry websites; conducting special crash investigations; and relying on expertise on airbag technology — all in an attempt to find a pattern or a new piece of information indicating a problem. Our consumer complaint data showed that the vehicles did not stand out compared with other cars when it came to airbag non- deployments, and the special crash investigations were inconclusive. The data available to NHTSA at the time were not sufficient to warrant a formal investigation.

As a data- driven organization, NHTSA is constantly looking for ways to improve our process so we can better identify vehicle defects and ensure they are fixed. We are already doing so as a result of what we’ve learned in this case. But our ability to find problems also requires automakers to act in good faith and provide information on time.

Recent data presented by GM provides new information and evidence directly linking the ignition switch to the airbag non- deployment. At the time NHTSA investigated earlier accidents, we did not have this information. That’s why we are aggressively investigating the timing of GM’s recall.

The families and friends of those lost in Chevy Cobalt crashes have the deepest sympathies of everyone at NHTSA. They also deserve straight answers about what happened to their loved ones.

David J. Friedman is the acting administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.