Government to announce changes to vehicle crash test rating program

Associated Press - July 8, 2008 12:13 AM ET WASHINGTON (AP) - The Bush administration is expected to unveil improvements in the government's auto crash test program. The safety ratings now give new vehicles a grade on a scale of up to five stars. Critics say the current tests allow most vehicles to earn 4 of 5 stars and make it difficult for consumers to compare the safety features of vehicles. Transportation officials have said they want the ratings to take into account a broad range of collision avoidance technologies. Automakers and suppliers have pushed for the changes to reflect the benefits of electronic stability control, anti-rollover technology that the government has proposed requiring on all new vehicles beginning... [read full story]