WASHINGTON - As traffic fatalities spike in the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal agency in charge of auto safety is struggling with a growing backlog of safety rules ordered by Congress that are years overdue and could save thousands of lives.A governors’ highway safety group says the United States faces a "car crash epidemic" at the same time that safety rules languish.An Associated Press review of rule-making by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration under the last three presidents found at least 13 auto safety rules past due, including a rear seat belt reminder requirement passed by Congress in 2012 that was to be implemented by 2015.RELATED: Police tow car of Pittsburg man seen hanging out of sunroof during sideshowDavid and.