Hyundai, Kia launch campaign to prevent theft of millions of vehicles targeted by TikTok challenge

UPDATE: The Baltimore County Police Department has launched a public awareness campaign on this issue. Original story below… —— WASHINGTON—Hyundai and Kia have developed theft deterrent software for millions of their vehicles that lack an immobilizer and will provide it free of charge to vehicle owners. The software updates the theft alarm software logic to extend the length of the […]

Honda upgrades Takata Alpha recall to ‘Do Not Drive’ warning, targeting older, most dangerous air bags

WASHINGTON, DC—Honda issued a “Do Not Drive” warning on Friday for certain 2001-2003 Acura and Honda vehicles equipped with unrepaired Takata Alpha driver side air bag inflators. Owners of these vehicles who still have an open Takata air bag recall should drive it until this urgent, lifesaving recall has been completed. Replacement parts are available now for free for this […]

Fiat Chrysler issues Do Not Drive warning following more airbag deaths

WASHINGTON, DC—Fiat Chrysler Automobiles this week issued a “Do Not Drive” warning for roughly 276,000 model year 2005 – 2010 Dodge Magnums, Chargers, and Challengers, as well as MY 2005-2010 Chrysler 300s. The warning comes after two people died in separate crashes involving 2010 Dodge Chargers where the Takata driver’s side air bags exploded. Additionally, NHTSA is aware of several […]

Kia recalls 2008-2009 Sportage vehicles due to fire risk

WASHINGTON, DC—Kia America has issued a new recall for certain Model Year 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles due to a continued risk of fire. Owners of these vehicles are strongly urged to park their cars outside and away from homes and other structures until their vehicles have been repaired. An engine compartment fire originating from around the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit […]

2022 ‘Click It or Ticket’ seat belt enforcement initiative begins May 23

WASHINGTON, DC—The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced the launch of the annual Click It or Ticket national seat belt enforcement mobilization with the goal of reminding drivers that seat belts save lives. Special enforcement efforts will take place May 23 – June 5, during which state and local law enforcement agencies across the country will be issuing tickets […]

Maryland State Police to participate in NHTSA’s ‘Move Over’ awareness campaign this weekend

PIKESVILLE, MD—The Maryland State Police will be joining law enforcement agencies across the country by participating in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Slow down – Move Over” campaign Friday, May 6 through Sunday, May 8. Every day, thousands of first responders and road workers take to the streets to help keep Americans safe. And every […]

NHTSA releases 2020 crash data, reports highest number of fatalities since 2007

WASHINGTON, DC—The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released its 2020 annual traffic crash data, showing that 38,824 lives were lost in traffic crashes nationwide. That number marks the highest number of fatalities since 2007. The estimated number of police-reported crashes in 2020 decreased by 22% as compared to 2019, and the estimated number of people injured […]

Governor Hogan announces new appointments

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Ahead of the new year, Governor Larry Hogan on Thursday announced three new appointments: Former Maryland Secretary of Commerce Mike Gill has been named secretary of the Maryland Department of Commerce, succeeding Secretary Kelly Schulz. Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Executive Director James F. Ports, Jr., has been named secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), succeeding Secretary Greg […]