Final answer:
Product liability laws safeguard consumers from harm caused by defective products, and manufacturers can be held liable for known defects. Agencies like the Consumer Products Safety Commission enforce safety regulations to prevent such issues. Additionally, governments restrict imports to protect national interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
Product liability laws are designed to protect consumers in the event a product causes injury, death, or damage. In a situation where an automobile manufacturer proceeds with the sale of a vehicle model known to have defective brakes, the manufacturer may be held liable for any resultant accidents, as they had prior knowledge of the defect. This holds true even if the defect leads to severe consequences such as injuries and deaths; liability is incurred due to the manufacturer's decision to sell despite the risks. Furthermore, agencies such as the Consumer Products Safety Commission play a crucial role in ensuring product safety through recalls, safety education, and the communication of regulations. Governments may also take actions to protect national interests by imposing restrictions on the import of foreign products, influenced by concerns over environmental standards, job security, and national security.