GM Raises Accident Total Linked To Ignition Recall To 47

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

As General Motors maintains 13 individuals lost their lives behind the wheel of vehicles affected by the February 2014 ignition switch recall, the automaker has boosted the total number of accidents related to the recall from 30 to 47.

The Detroit News reports the updated figure was one of the answers to the survey issued to GM by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration weeks ago, asking why the automaker had waited so long to recall the defective part. The fatality figure, however, may go up when the agency presents its findings to GM soon:

The final death toll associated with this safety defect is not known to NHTSA, but we believe it’s likely that more than 13 lives were lost. GM would be in the position to determine additional cases related directly to this defect based on lawsuits, incident claims and additional data reported directly to the automaker from its customers, dealerships, insurance companies, safety groups and other sources.

The fatality figure is also considered low by a number of attorneys and safety advocates, including Texas attorney Bob Hilliard and Center for Auto Safety director Clarence Ditlow. While Ditlow believes the number could go up or down once the NHTSA finishes their investigation, and bases his claims on information gathered in March 2014 from the U.S. Fatality Analysis Reporting System, Hilliard believes the automaker itself is intentionally “low-balling” said fatality numbers.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • CJinSD CJinSD on May 27, 2014

    Hat tip to oboylepr, who brought this to my attention. The definitive report on GM's recall storm: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPQ44RDOAx4

  • APaGttH APaGttH on May 27, 2014

    Is TTAC going to run a story on the ongoing investigation, criminal felony convictions, and the global wide auto part pricing collusion that is said to have cost US consumers $330 million in inflated prices, sometimes incredibly inflated prices on parts? Dozens of convictions of executives in Japan, Australia, and the United States - careers ruined - and a now widening investigation on the frightening scope of anti-trust violations. Fox News ran a really interesting story over the weekend on this ongoing issue that has fleeced consumers, stifled innovation, and put companies out of business. I mean I get this involves a long list of Japanese part suppliers...but maybe, just maybe readers would be interested in the screw job the DOJ and SEC has uncovered when their investigation started four years ago? The unprecedented cooperation with their peers in other countries? The use of different strategies to get guilty pleas out of what typical are teflon coated executives?

  • PrincipalDan PrincipalDan on May 27, 2014

    All I can see is Congressional Testimony and one of the Congress-critters asking: "Um... Ms. Barra, how many accidents have been linked to this defect?" (Mary leans into the microphone and says): "30." (Corporate lawyer leans over and whispers in her ear.) "Excuse me senator - 47."

    • Buickman Buickman on May 28, 2014

      "I don't remember, but I might 'recall' later"...

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