Keyless ignition systems for vehicles are increasingly popular, especially in colder climates where being able to start the car indoors with the push of a button makes for a much more comfortable drive. However, malfunctions or insufficient warnings or explanations have led to several accidents and some deaths, prompting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to consider new rules for keyless vehicle ignition systems.
Many systems allow the vehicle owner to start the car at a distance by pushing a button on a small remote. Once inside the car, the driver can turn it on or off by pressing a button or switch. However, many of these switches will not allow the car to be turned off in an emergency situation, such as when the accelerator is stuck, or they require a different method – such as being held for a longer period – to turn the car off when the vehicle is not in park. This often confuses drivers in emergency situations and has led to crashes.
Other systems have shown the opposite problem: they turn on spontaneously or will allow the vehicle to slip out of the park while the ignition is on. This has caused serious injuries, including owners dragged by their vehicles and families harmed by carbon monoxide poisoning when a car starts while sitting in a garage.
At Tenn And Tenn, P.A., our knowledgeable New Hampshire car accident attorneys have handled many cases in which defective car parts or systems have caused a crash. If you’ve been injured in an accident, please don’t delay in giving our office a call. We can help you understand your legal rights and options and decide on the next best step for you and your family. Our number is (888) 332-5855; call us today for a free and confidential telephone consultation.