What is a Push Button Start?
In recent years, car makers have begun to make the switch to new ignition designs that include keyless ignitions like the one pictured below. Auto manufacturers tout the convenience of the push button keyless ignition option for drivers as it does not require the driver to fumble with getting a set of keys out of a purse or a pocket. The car merely needs to be able to detect that the keyfob is present somewhere in the vehicle for the driver to be able to operate the car.
I personally love the idea of not having to stand outside in the cold searching through all of my pockets to locate a key.
Unfortunately, after the devices were installed in vehicles, problems with the systems began to arise.
A report published by Edmunds on February 17,2011 stated that NHSTA (National Highway Safety Traffic Administration) was investigating complaints of the car shutting off while driving because it did not detect the presence of the keyfob. Other, more serious incidences occurred when drivers pulled into their garages, exited the vehicle without turning it off and closing the garage door. All of the deaths related to the keyless ignitions have been caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.
How Could Someone Forget to Turn off their Car?
Turning off a vehicle with keyless ignition involves nothing more than pushing a button. There is no need to turn the key to the off position and remove the key from the ignition. Because of this convenience, it is simply easy to forget to turn off the vehicle, especially when drivers are distracted by children, pets, their phones, or just their thoughts. And many of the models that use these systems are hybrid gas-electric cars, those engines are virtually silent so the driver won’t hear engine noise and be reminded that the car is running. Other models, including gasoline powered engines are much quieter than they used to be and the running engine may go unnoticed by the driver. When left idling in a closed garage attached to the home, the vehicle emits carbon monoxide gas into the house. This can be especially dangerous in homes with basement garages.
There have also been instances of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles that are left on in “electric mode”. The driver may be completely unaware that the engine is on at all because the actual motor is not running. Because these cars are programmed to start the gasoline motor to generate energy for features within the car, the car may restart the motor to do something such as heat or cool the cabin of the car. This could happen hours after the driver has left the vehicle.
There have also been reports of vehicle roll-aways because it is possible to turn off the engine with the car still in drive or reverse and exit the vehicle with the keyfob. This can’t happen with a traditional ignition system because vehicles have to be in the park position in order to remove the key.
So How Can We Make This Technology Safer?
Many manufacturers have already acted on the NHSTA’s recommendation of adding an audible alarm that can be heard from the exterior of the vehicle when it is left running. Here is a list from the Consumer Reports article, “Hidden Dangers of Push-Button Start” published October 23,2015:
- Ford
- GM
- Honda
- Hyundai
- Mazda
- Mitsubishi
- Nissan
- Subaru
- Toyota
Manufacturers that have not added an external alarm to warn drivers that the vehicle is still running are:
- Chrysler
- Land Rover
- Mercedes-Benz
- Volkswagen
- Volvo
Roanoke Personal Injury Attorney
The Thomson Law Firm aggressively represents victims hurt by car accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites and animal attacks, medical malpractice or defective products. If you have been injured and want to know if you have a personal injury case, call The Thomson Law Firm for a free consultation today. (877) 471-3353
