Opinion: Firestone's stonewalling

The apology by the chairman of Bridgestone/Firestone is an overdue start toward unfolding the mystery of why the company kept silent about tire failures that may have caused dozens of deaths in recent years. Prosecutors should examine whether Firestone is culpable in the deaths and whether the manufacturer colluded with Ford Motor Co., a major partner, to keep the news from consumers and safety regulators. Congress should consider toughening criminal penalties against executives of any company that knowingly sells defective products and increase spending for auto inspection and safety programs by the Department of Transportation.

There is growing evidence to indicate Firestone was aware of problem tires earlier than the company previously disclosed. It reportedly opposed a tire recall overseas for fear the company would be forced to notify American regulators. And a company vice president said Firestone used the information on faulty tires to predict the implications for the company's bottom line, not for safety.

Firestone's behavior has been indefensible, whether criminal or not. The tiremaker was slow in responding to traffic accident reports and consumer complaints and still appears to be stonewalling on its handling of ATX, Wilderness and other model tires. Here's what we need to know: When did Firestone become aware of safety problems, and what tires are affected? When were the reports shared with Firestone customers, business partners and the appropriate regulators? Did Firestone and Ford seek to impede the disclosure or thwart any investigation? How adequately has Firestone responded to its ongoing recall of 6.5-million tires, used largely on the popular Ford Explorer?

Firestone lacks credibility. Its blame-game with Ford and conflicting chronology suggest the tiremaker has something to hide. Last week, Venezuela's consumer protection agency recommended the government consider filing criminal charges. The threat was enough to force Firestone to recall tires that may have played a role in at least 60 traffic-related deaths. The recall doesn't end civil and criminal action against Firestone; Venezuela is pursuing allegations the company knew of the defects and pursued a coverup. Firestone also continues to resist a recall of 1.4-million additional tires that were named in a safety warning the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued last week.

Congress should press ahead with a thorough investigation. Attorney General Janet Reno also is determining whether the Justice Department should become involved. Whatever penalties Firestone or Ford face, the government shares blame for inadequately funding auto safety and inspection programs. Congress now is threatening steps that should have been taken when road-hogging SUVs began proliferating on America's roads. Protecting lives should be the highest priority of manufacturers and the government.

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