Blumenthal Statement On Texas Court Decision To Deny “Park-It-Now” Injunction Filed Against GM

(Hartford, CT) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released the following statement after a federal district court in Texas denied a motion for a “park-it-now” injunction that would have required General Motors (GM) to warn drivers of recalled vehicles to ground them until they could be repaired. The court ruled that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has primary jurisdiction over recall-related issues.

“The court’s unfortunate decision denying protective action is all the more reason that GM should do the right thing now – voluntarily and strongly warn drivers to avoid using recalled vehicles until repairs make them safe. GM has no reason to rejoice in this partial and premature victory, because its customers remain at risk, and its legal responsibility for future harm is only higher. Rather than celebrating, GM should show its new safety culture by expediting repairs and taking true ownership of this continuing challenge. I call on GM to abandon reliance on its supposed shield from legal responsibility for past damage and to take strong preventive action going forward. In the meantime, I hope that NHTSA will be more proactive and protective of consumers as the recall process continues.”