KEYLESS IGNITION DESIGN DEFECT POSES HAZARD FOR UNWARY DRIVERS

A recent article published by Safety Research & Strategies, Inc. (“SRS”) discussed the current hazard posed by keyless ignitions in automobiles.

Keyless ignitions as currently designed present a hazard of carbon monoxide poisoning, particularly when drivers inadvertently leave their keyless ignition vehicles running in the mistaken belief that the fob in their possession means that the engine is off.

Automakers have failed to inform their customers that the fob (remote keyless system), while a necessity in turning the vehicle on, plays no role in turning the vehicle off. As a result, a customer could leave the vehicle running with the fob in their possession, moving far out of range of the vehicle, and the engine would remain on. Some manufactures have begun implementing an automatic engine cut-off feature which shuts the engine off after a period of time if the driver’s side door has been opened and closed.

In response to the widespread design defects in the keyless ignitions, lawsuits have been filed against against ten (10) automakers who produce and market keyless ignition vehicles, in order to attempt to force the implementation of an automatic cut-off feature. See, http://www.safetyresearch.net/blog/articles/keyless-ignition-litigation-solution.

The unfortunate possibility remains that individuals and families will suffer severe personal injuries as a result of this design flaw. Product defects have devastating effects on families across the country. Swartz & Swartz, P.C. is committed to assisting the many families whose lives have been forever tragically altered as a result of a significant personal injury or wrongful death due to a car accident or automobile defect. If you would like to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney at Swartz & Swartz, P.C., please contact us. You can call us at (617) 742-1900, or if you are outside the Boston area, call toll-free at 1-800-545-3732.