The automobile industry has made major advancements regarding vehicle technology designed to ensure your driving experience is convenient and safe. Global positioning systems (GPS) installed directly in your dashboard and rear-end vehicle cameras that warn of obstructions are among the newest features. Another innovative development is the keyless car ignition that enables you to enter your vehicle and start it without a traditional key. Instead, you simply push the button to start your car.
Keyless car ignitions are increasingly becoming commonplace making traditional keys a thing of the past. In fact, these keyless car ignitions now come standard in over 250 vehicle models and is an optional feature in another 33 makes/models. But, the technology may not be so safe.
To date, there have been at least 18 reported deaths caused by keyless car ignitions and scores of injuries. Specifically, keyless ignitions have led to carbon monoxide poisoning in drivers who neglect to turn their ignitions off. As the majority of keyless systems permit users to enter their vehicles and hit the ignition button by carrying a keyless/wireless fob on them, some motorists seem to think they can just park their vehicle in the garage and take the fob inside to turn-off the car. This is not how it works. After parking the car, you must still press the ignition button to turn the engine off. If you don’t, the engine will remain on until the gas tank is empty. When you close the garage door without turning your engine off, carbon monoxide builds-up as a result of emissions from the car’s exhaust. Carbon monoxide poisoning is extremely toxic and often fatal.
While keyless ignition systems appear to be the way of the future, be cautious and familiarize yourself with the keyless system of your new car. Always ensure that the engine is off, especially when parking in the garage or any other enclosed space. Failure to do so may result in the injury or death of you or a loved one.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective productive or as the result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact a qualified personal injury attorney immediately. At Murphy & Garner, LLC, our lawyers have years of experience representing personal injury victims and we will fight for the compensation you deserve and need to recover from your injuries.
The attorneys at Murphy & Garner, LLC offer free consultations to injured people. To set up your appointment, call 678-563-1584 today or visit us online.