Operation ABC
Earned Media Outreach
Contacts
Posters

AUTO SAFETY PROGRAMS - HOTLINE

Program Materials

The DOT Auto Safety Hotline (1-888-DASH-2-DOT) is the agency's major consumer information number, but its primary purpose is to give auto owners a chance to report safety problems and potential defects and to give auto buyers information on auto safety and reliability. If a safety-related defect exists in a motor vehicle or a piece of related equipment, such as a child safety seat, the manufacturer may be required to fix it at no cost to the owner. A report to the Hotline is the first step in this process. NHTSA has developed free promotional materials to encourage consumers to use the Hotline (listed below under "Consumer Materials"). If you would like to conduct an outreach program, contact Gene Luke at 703-734-7800 ext. 279, by e-mail at gluke@rsis.com or on the Web at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/hotline. A faxable ordering certificate was included in Campaign Safe & Sober Program Planner 18 as well.

Consumer Materials

All DOT Auto Safety Hotline materials are in color and feature "Sam Saddriver," the steamed auto owner. They encourage consumers to report potential vehicle safety defects to the Hotline. See "Program Materials" above for ordering information. Materials available include:

• Motor Vehicle Defects and Recall Campaigns is a brochure that outlines NHTSA’s recall process, answers common questions, and explains consumers’ rights.
• Large poster - At 14" x 18", it is ideal for employee lounges, community centers, retail outlets and any place where people congregate.
• Mini poster (4)- This smaller 8 1/2" x 11" version is well suited for bulletin boards. It contains the same information as the larger poster.
• Envelope stuffer (3) - This two-sided brochure is designed to fit in a #10 business envelope or payroll envelope.
• Rolodex^® card (2) - Perfect for receptionists and others who take consumer complaint calls, it gives quick reference information on the Hotline.
• Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) - a self-mailer form for consumers to report a potential safety defect. Reports are compiled in a database and monitored for trends, which may lead to a recall.