The safety administration estimates that the rules changes would save 700 to 1,000 lives a year.

The safety administration estimates the systems will add about $70 to the cost of each new vehicle.

In August the state's safety administration dismissed their complaints for lack of evidence.

The safety administration said the preliminary evaluation involved 60,000 vehicles.

Completing the federal investigation, and a decision from the safety administration about whether to order a recall, could require more than a year.

The safety administration and the Brooklyn district attorney's office were investigating the incident.

The safety administration does not expect to finish its tire investigation until this summer at the earliest.

In May 2002, the safety administration announced it needed more research and testing information before it could design a test for the new standard.

The safety administration has not yet tested the Equinox.

As for regulatory responsibilities, manufacturers are required to report defective products to the safety administration.