Vehicle Safety Features: The Pros and Cons
Technological advancements in the field of motor vehicle safety and design have reduced the total number of injuries and fatalities that occur as a result of collisions; however, sometimes it’s these advanced safety features that put motorists at the greatest risk of harm.
Defective Airbags
In the case of potentially defective airbags that have been linked to the deaths of at least four motorists and have led to safety warnings being issued by the U.S. government to owners of more than 7.6 million vehicles, those owners are being urged to bring their vehicles in for repairs immediately.
An article from CBS Evening News explains Tokyo-based company, Takata Corp, manufactures the airbags. The bags are designed to ignite a chemical accelerator in the event of an accident, which inflates the bag. The problem with the design is that the chemical blast can cause the canister surrounding the airbag to break apart, sending metal shrapnel hurling in the direction of passengers inside the vehicle.
Takata has stated they believe high humidity may be to blame for the problem and have issued a voluntary recall for vehicles equipped with the potentially faulty units in the Southeast, California, and Hawaii—where humidity levels are highest. Beyond this action, little has been done to correct the issue, incensing many legislators and government officials.
What Should I Do if I Think My Vehicle Is Equipped With Faulty Airbags?
So what should you do if you suspect your vehicle was equipped with potentially defective airbags? The North Carolina defective product attorneys with HensonFuerst explain following the government’s encouragement to have the vehicle and its equipment inspected at a certified repair center should be your first step. If you’ve been harmed as the result of being in a crash where a defective airbag deployed, it may be wise to speak with an attorney regarding your legal rights. We are available to help you by calling (866) 777-1170.