A new lawsuit has been filed against the automakers for their failure to install safety technology on keyless ignition systems. The lawsuit alleges that keyless fobs fail to turn off cars and instead emit deadly carbon monoxide, a dangerous gas. It claims that as a result, 37 people have died from accidentally leaving their vehicles running in their attached garages. Thankfully, there is now a proposed solution by the NHTSA to address the problem.
Product liability trial over claims keyless ignitions can potentially leave cars running and flood homes with deadly carbon monoxide gas
In recent years, a new lawsuit has emerged against the auto industry for its failure to implement regulations regarding keyless ignitions. The lawsuit details the deaths of 28 people who died after leaving their cars running and flooded their homes with deadly carbon monoxide gas. Earlier this year, the Society of Automotive Engineers recommended a regulation to address the problem. The lawsuit also claims that automakers have failed to make this crucial safety feature more secure.
While keyless ignition is relatively new, it is already a popular feature. Many consumers find it convenient to leave their cars running in the garage or a driveway. But the car continues to leak carbon monoxide, which is both odorless and deadly. According to CNN Money, this gas has been responsible for the deaths of at least 13 people and resulted in more than 45 cases of personal injury.
Safety technology still lacking in keyless ignitions
The safety technology that’s so prevalent in modern vehicles like the push-button ignition has been widely adopted by automobile manufacturers, including General Motors. In the past, this safety technology has been lauded for reducing the danger of turning off a vehicle while it is in motion. However, the problem remains, and keyless ignitions may only increase that danger. As a result, the risk of leaving a vehicle running and potentially poisoning the driver is even greater.
In order to combat this problem, manufacturers should consider incorporating more safety technology into keyless ignitions. While there are already auto shutoff features available on most newer vehicles, the cost of adding such safety technology would be relatively small. In addition, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers says that current keyless ignitions follow the recommendations of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
37 people have died by unknowingly leaving their vehicles running in their attached garages
Auto safety experts are calling for legislation requiring automatic engine shutoffs on all vehicles and software that will make the vehicle immobile if it is left in gear. According to Safety Research & Strategies Inc., 37 people have died as a result of unknowingly leaving their vehicles running in their garages. Although the Detroit Three have some versions of this safety technology on their cars, Toyota has recently announced that it will add automatic engine shutoffs to its entire 2020 North American lineup.
