February 10, 1966 – Ralph Nader testifies in front of congress for the first time

Consumer activist and lawyer Ralph Nader’s “Unsafe at Any Speed: The Designed-In Dangers of the American Automobile” accused automakers of resisting to introduce proven safety measures, such as seat belts, because of the reluctance to spend money on safety. Nader would go before congress on this day in 1966 to testify in regards to automobile safety for his first time. He famously used the example of the first generation Chevrolet Corvair, stating the rear engine sedan was prone to rollover accidents. Following his testimony Nader accused GM of prying into his personal life and filed a lawsuit against the company, which he would win. Nader’s activism resulted in numerous safety laws, namely the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, which allowed the federal government to set standards for automobiles and highways. A first generation 1963 Corvair by Don O’Brien CC2.0 https://flic.kr/p/tojxrKRalph Nader in 1975