How Keyless Cars Contribute to Auto Accidents
Today’s cars are all about safety and convenience. But what happens when a feature sacrifices safety in the name of convenience? While keyless ignition systems have numerous benefits, they have also been tied to an increase in some types of auto accidents. These risks are rarely presented to car buyers when they purchase a new vehicle, and thanks to lobbying on the part of automobile manufacturers, little has been done to make this feature any safer.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, you need to talk to an attorney and find out if you are entitled to compensation. Get started now by calling Reeves & Mestayer at 228-374-5151.
The Rise of the Keyless Car
The first keyless car hit the market over 20 years ago, but for many years, this feature was limited to only high-end vehicle brands. In recent years, keyless ignition systems have become increasingly common, with almost every major manufacturer offering this feature as either a standard part of the vehicle or an add-on. Now that so many new cars are hitting the road with keyless ignition, we are starting to see the consequences of this feature.
This isn’t to say that there are no benefits associated with keyless cars. They are easy to use and save time since you don’t have to fumble with your keys to unlock your car or start it.
This is particularly beneficial for those who have safety concerns, as they don’t have to find the right key on their keychain to unlock their car and get inside safely. This type of system can also prevent some types of vehicle damage. People who keep heavy keychains with their keys run the risk of damaging the ignition every time they start their car. Keyless ignition systems don’t experience as much wear and tear.
If you have a keyless car, it’s important to know the risks so you can take steps to protect yourself.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Perhaps the greatest risk of a keyless car is carbon monoxide poisoning. When you have standard ignition, it’s almost impossible to forget to turn your car off. You need to take the keys out of the ignition to unlock your door and go home. That physical reminder is not present in keyless cars. It’s easy to park your car, check your phone for messages, and head inside without ever turning your car off.
Since you don’t need your keys to turn the car off, there’s no reminder that your car is still running. The buildup of carbon monoxide in the garage can leak into the house and cause deaths. Even if carbon monoxide poisoning does not kill someone, it can leave them with permanent brain injuries.
This problem is even worse when you consider the fact that keyless ignition is present in most new cars. New cars are considerably quieter than their predecessors, to the point that you often have to pause and listen to figure out if the car is even running. Without the physical reminder of a key or the audible reminder of a loud car, the risk of leaving a car running overnight is even greater.
Rollaway Accidents
Rollaway accidents are the other major danger associated with keyless cars. The quietness of new vehicles is a factor here. If someone is in a rush or in an unfamiliar location, it’s easy to jump out of the car and leave without ever turning the car off or even putting it in park. This mistake can cause serious property damage and bodily harm.
This type of accident can occur even if you turn the car off. When a driver tries to turn a standard car off without putting it in park, the ignition does not allow them to take the key out. A keyless ignition system doesn’t have this safeguard in place, increasing the likelihood of a rollaway accident.
Safety features vary between brands. Some manufacturers do only what is mandated under federal law, while others go further with alarms and flashing lights if unsafe behavior is detected. That’s why it’s important to adjust your own habits and safeguards, rather than rely on your vehicle manufacturer. Consider setting up your car’s app to send notifications if the ignition has been on for a set period of time or make it a habit to check the dashboard for lights every time you leave the vehicle.
Turn to Reeves & Mestayer for Your Accident Claim
Keyless car accidents can lead to tragic outcomes. If you’ve been hurt in a keyless vehicle accident, let us help. Schedule a consultation with Reeves & Mestayer now by calling us at 228-374-5151 or contacting us online.
