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Another recent dangerous defect with automobiles has recently been exposed. I has now been discovered that approximate 8 million airbags manufactured by the company Takata — and available in dozens of vehicles spread across 10 automakers — may be afflicted with a very dangerous safety defect.
The defective airbags, when inflated, expel shards of shrapnel, which can pierce the bodies of drivers and passengers, much like exploding shrapnel can injure soldiers during war.
The vivid nature of this defect, as well as its size and scope, has spurred massive consumer and legal action. Approximately 5 million Honda vehicles and 800,000 Toyotas need to be recalled for these airbag defects. GM only has to recall 80,000 cars. The automaker dodged a proverbial bullet with respect to this recall case – as we’ve discussed a lot this year on this blog, GM has been dogged all year over its multi-billion dollar ignition switch recall.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, other car makers recalling vehicles due to these airbags include BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Mazda, Nissan, Mitsubishi.
You can read more details about each automaker’s progress here.
According to the Center for Auto Safety, the exploding airbags have led to at least four deaths as well as dozens of serious injuries. Thus far, only airbags in Honda and Acura vehicles have been implicated in injury accidents and fatal accidents.
What should you do if you’re concerned that the airbags in your car might be ticking shrapnel time bombs?
1. Go to the Center for Auto Safety website or the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) website to research the latest news.
2. Schedule a time to bring your vehicle in to get a replacement part as soon as possible, if your car needs a new airbag.
In addition, pay attention to other potential issues with your car, truck, or vehicle. Don’t just focus only on the airbag issue: get your car checked out and serviced regularly, and keep it clean. Engage in safe driving behaviors. Don’t drink or take drugs or medications before you get behind the wheel. Don’t drive while you’re angry or fatigued. Stay off of your phone — even talking on hands free headsets can cause fatal distractions.
Adhering to these good driving habits can all significantly decrease your likelihood of being involved in a crash. The legal team at Regan, Zambri & Long would be happy to discuss your case, if you need an insight from an experienced Washington DC car accident law firm. Call us today for a free consultation.
How well do you know your car? Have any of your parts been recalled? Learn more by reading this: Was Your Car Recalled and Repaired? How Can You Tell?
