Browse: Home > The New York Times

The New York Times

A Tougher Car Safety Agency

By on August 3, 2010

The United States has done a fairly good job so far of policing the safety of cars and trucks. The number of deaths in traffic accidents dropped to an estimated 34,000 last year — the least since the 1950s. But that is still too many deaths.
The recall of millions of Toyota cars and trucks because ... Read more »

Posted in | Leave a comment

The Hard Work of Gun Control

By on July 12, 2010

Thirteen days ago, the Supreme Court undermined Chicago’s ban on handguns by applying the Second Amendment to the states, ruling that people have a right to protect their homes with a gun. Four days after that, Chicago passed another handgun restriction that edged right up to the line drawn by the court. And on Tuesday, ... Read more »

Posted in | 3 Comments

More Questions About Avandia

By on July 7, 2010

The safety of the diabetes drug Avandia looked increasingly suspect late last month after two major studies found that it raises the risk of cardiovascular ailments. Then a third study seemed to exonerate Avandia, sowing more confusion. Expert advisers to the Food and Drug Administration will soon deliver a more definitive judgment, but at this ... Read more »

Posted in | 1 Comment

Experts, Conflicts and the FDA

By on May 5, 2010

The Food and Drug Administration relies on 49 expert committees to advise it on policy matters and on whether particular drugs or other medical products are safe and effective. The agency has made substantial progress in reducing conflicts of interest among members, and it is now pledging to search “far and wide” for neutral experts and to make more information public about any waivers it grants.

Posted in , | Leave a comment

Toyota and the Regulators

By on April 12, 2010

American regulators are seeking the maximum fine — $16.4 million — on Toyota after it failed, for months, to report problems with accelerator pedals in some of its cars. It is a paltry sum for the world’s No. 1 automaker and one more reminder that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration needs more powerful tools — and more energy.

Posted in , | Leave a comment

A Nonfrivolous Suit

By on March 9, 2010

Supporters of tort reform — and late-night comedians — like to make fun of what they say are frivolous lawsuits. One they particularly like to lampoon is the case of the woman who sued McDonald’s after she was scalded by too-hot coffee. What they don’t talk much about is just how hot the coffee was or that the 79-year-old woman was hospitalized with severe injuries. The two sides ultimately settled.

Posted in , , | Leave a comment

Next »