There is a little-known law called the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, which includes a provision to compensate whistleblowers for revealing safety critical auto flaws to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). Former Hyundai engineer Kim Gwang-ho is the first to receive an award under the system, taken by NHTSA from a large fine paid by Hyundai to resolve an engine fire issue. The large amount will insulate Kim from the potential loss of his career, but the larger issue for engineers everywhere is, "should I be a whistleblower?" Engineering ethics are fairly straightforward but doing the right thing may have career altering consequences. Under what circumstances should you be a whistleblower? Engineering.com’s Jim Anderton has a definite opinion on the subject.

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