Since 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has stated that there is a “clear safety problem” from keyless ignitions in vehicles and has proposed a rule that vehicles with keyless ignition systems would either automatically put the autos in park or notify drivers when the vehicle has been left unattended. The rule comes after several injuries and deaths that have happened when people have left their vehicles without realizing they forgot to turn off the engine.
Keyless ignition systems usually come with a key fob that allows a driver to start the vehicle by turning a switch or pushing a button. This convenience however, has led to some serious problems. Complaints to NHTSA include a driver being dragged through a parking lot after the car started rolling off on its own as well as several people being injured and/or dying from carbon monoxide poisoning because a vehicle was left running in an attached garage. NHTSA said it did not propose an automatic shutoff because of times when “a driver intends to leave the engine in the vehicle running without his or her presence,” such as warming up the car or leaving a passenger with heat or air conditioning while the driver steps out.
Terrell • Hogan attorneys represent victims of personal injury and wrongful death as they seek justice and many lawsuits we have pursued have prompted safety changes. If a vehicle’s feature works as it should but it proves to be dangerous, we believe it is important to try to help prevent injuries and wrongful deaths by publishing information about dangerous products.
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