Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Dan Rather) Report introduced.

(DC: Lesley Stahl) [Mother of child killed on 3-wheel vehicle Ann SETTLES - describes how her son died.] Statistics on all-terrain vehicle deaths and injuries cited; details given, scenes shown. [SETTLES - says government should not allow such dangerous vehicles to be sold.] Critics asserting Consumer Prod. Safety Commission has ceased to do its job reported [Representative William DANNEMEYER - says it is not government's function to supervise children's safety.] [Representative George MILLER - charges commission's negligence has caused the deaths.] Consumer complaints listed. [Representative James FLORIO - says people want to be able to presume that what they buy is safe.] Cmsn.'s staff and budget cuts shown; details discussed. Consumer Prod. Safety Commission spokesperson Terrence Scanlon's removal of lawyers who specialize in product safety investigations reported [Senator Alfonse D'AMATO - blames Scanlon for deaths.] Scanlon's refusal to be interviewed noted. [Commissioner Anne GRAHAM - says industry doesn't take commission seriously.] [David SNOW - describes death of daughter by a lawn dart and says kids should not have to die because of toys.] Cmsn.'s failure to prevent injuries and deaths rptd as example of Reagan's ineffective deregulation policy. Many Republicans leading efforts to solve safety problems noted.