Since 2009, there have been 21 deaths involving cars with keyless ignitions in the United States. Seven of them have occurred in Palm Beach County. Check out this local news coverage via WPTV 5:
One of these accidents occurred in 2010, when a 29-year-old Boca Raton woman died of carbon monoxide poisoning after leaving her keyless Lexus running in her garage. Two other Boca Raton residents also lost their lives in similar accidents in 2012.
Another incident involved a 61-year-old man who was poisoned by high levels of carbon monoxide in his home while his Hyundai Genesis sat parked downstairs. The man was found barely alive in his condo and died in the hospital a few days later. He was thought to have either left his vehicle running or the vehicle somehow reactivated. The man’s family has filed suit against Hyundai, who has been investigating the case.
5 Years Later, NHTSA Has Yet to Finalize a Plan of Action
Cars with keyless ignitions allow drivers to start and stop their vehicles with only the push of a button. The problem is that there are no safety measures in place to turn the vehicle off if the driver should forget to push the off button. Five years ago, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that they would study whether new safety standards should be adopted, but so far, standards have yet to be adopted. The NHTSA has come under scrutiny for taking so long to come up with a way to protect consumers from this serious safety risk.
The NHTSA is now proposing an audible warning system when keyless cars are left idling for a certain period of time. The agency is still seeking public comment on the issue before any further action is taken.
We Make Your Fight Our Fight
The South Florida trial attorneys at Kelley | Uustal are nationally recognized for our proven and unrelenting advocacy in product liability and other personal injury cases. If someone you know has been injured or killed by a vehicle with a keyless ignition, you may have legal options. Please contact our firm today to speak with a lawyer about your case: (954) 522-6601.
