According to the New York Times, keyless ignition vehicles have been causing carbon monoxide poisoning. The vehicles, which start at the push of a button, don’t always indicate that they’re still on. Some keyless ignition cars do beep and otherwise indicate that they are on, but there is no strict regulation and many vehicles don’t adequately alert drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has looked into this concern before, but failed to make any changes to policy; although they did suggest more advanced warning systems. As it stands, some cars warn drivers when the car is on, but the key is outside of the vehicle. Some cars only warn if the key is still inside. In fact, the Society for Automotive Engineers (SAE) has established a set of recommendations to prevent carbon monoxide hazards, but few companies have implemented them.
More on keyless ignition cars
The SAE has recommended engine shut off protocols when the car has been left on and stopped for extended periods of time. The NHTSA ignored the suggestion, saying it is not enforceable. Meanwhile, dozens have died from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by keyless ignition vehicles. In Florida it became so severe that a fire department began issuing notices specifically referencing the danger and handing out carbon monoxide sensors.
Over two dozen death and severe injuries have been caused by this issue, yet no one has taken responsibility. One gentleman was found dead in his home after parking his car in his garage after assuming that it would turn off when the key was removed from the vehicle. Instead his son found him dead and the house was filled with over 30 times the amount of carbon monoxide a human can survive. Another couple were able to escape their home, but now suffer severe memory loss and require in-home aid.
As more and more of these accidents occur, it becomes increasingly shocking that no one has been punished. Toyota cars were found to be responsible for over half of the carbon monoxide poisonings from keyless ignition vehicles, but all the company will say is that they meet all relevant regulations. The issue is that the regulations are too lax and have led to too many injuries.
If the vehicles not adequately warning drivers or shutting off the engine is causing such harm and manufacturers are aware, then they should be taking steps to inform drivers. Especially given that two separate entities have noted the need for more prominent safety features, any injuries caused by a manufacturer failing to provide functional safety measures leaves them open to a claim for negligence and wrongful death. If they have knowledge of a hazard, the capacity to minimize that hazard, and still don’t, then the companies can and will be held responsible for their actions.
If you have found that you or a family member may require an experience Miami Personal Injury attorney for carbon monoxide poisoning, Aigen Injury Law, is here to assist you. Please do not hesitate to submit an online FREE CASE REVIEW. At Aigen Injury Law, an experienced lawyer is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week working relentlessly on behalf of victims who suffer from all types of accidents. We offer a free consultation for your personal injury case and there is no fee unless we recover for you.