NTSB Chairman to Step Down

Debbie Hersman is leaving as head of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board to become CEO of the non-government National Safety Council.

Hersman, a frequent critic of the auto industry, will make the move on April 25. Her interim replacement will be Christopher Hart, currently NTSB's vice chairman.

NTSB issues recommendations to government safety agencies but has no power to enact standards. Under Hersman's 10-year tenure, the board has proactively campaigned to control in-vehicle communication services, limit driver distraction, toughen rules on drunk and drugged drivers and virtually ban cell phone use in cars.