When there's a hazard on your property or shingles have fallen off your roof, you do whatever you need to get the problem fixed right away. But it turns out many Americans don't have the same attitude when it comes to their cars, a newly released study suggests.
Over 47 million vehicles in the United States are under safety recalls that have yet to be fixed, according to a newly released survey conducted by automobile history report firm Carfax. While some states have more than others, every state has a minimum of 100,000 recalls that haven't been addressed due to motorists' inaction.
It would be one thing if these recalls were related to the physical appearance of said vehicles, like chipped paint or torn upholstery. However, just about all of them have to do with safety hazards that threaten drivers' well-being if they're in an accident.
"Many people still are unnecessarily risking their lives by not staying informed or taking action when their vehicle is under a recall," said Larry Gamache, Carfax communications director. "It's one of the many reasons family-oriented vehicles, including one in four minivans, are the most-highly impacted."
"The past two years have seen far too many automotive recalls."
Unfortunately, auto recalls aren't isolated incidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2014 was a record year for recalls, affecting nearly 64 million vehicles, the highest number in more than 30 years. Last year didn't see much of an improvement, however, as 51 million vehicles were recalled.
Takata hit with $200 million penalty
One of the more well known recalls that occurred fairly recently affected cars with airbags made by Takata. It turns out Takata violated the Motor Vehicle Safety Act by not reporting the safety issue with the airbags more swiftly to the proper authorities. As a result, the government has since imposed what's believed to be the largest civil penalty in NHTSA's history at north of $200 million.
"Today, we are holding Takata responsible for its failures, and we are taking strong action to protect the traveling public," said Mark Rosekind, NHTSA administrator, when the penalty was announced last November. "We are accelerating Takata recalls to get safe air bags into American vehicles more quickly, ensuring that consumers at the greatest risk are protected, and addressing the long-term risk of Takata's use of a suspect propellant."
More than 100 people in the U.S. have been injured in accidents where flawed Takata airbags were installed, tragically killing at least 10 drivers.
Automakers are required by law to inform vehicle owners if their cars are being recalled. However, whether it's due to losing these advisories in the mail or mistaking them for advertisements, many people are driving cars oblivious to this fact.
'Safe Cars Save Lives'
It's for this reason that the U.S. Department of Transportation wants Americans to be more proactive. Earlier this year, the DOT launched a public awareness campaign called "Safe Cars Save Lives." It urges consumers to look into whether any recalls affect them at least twice per year.
"25% of recalled vehicles are left unaddressed."
"Recalls are a serious safety issue that should be promptly addressed," said Anthony Foxx, DOT secretary. "An informed consumer is one of our strongest allies in ensuring recalled vehicles are repaired. Do not wait to act if your car is under recall and the parts are available."
NHTSA estimates that 25% of recalled vehicles are never repaired. Make sure your vehicle isn't one of them.
Click here to visit Selective's Auto & Consumer Safety Recall Page
Over 47 million vehicles in the United States are under safety recalls that have yet to be fixed, according to a newly released survey conducted by automobile history report firm Carfax. While some states have more than others, every state has a minimum of 100,000 recalls that haven't been addressed due to motorists' inaction.
It would be one thing if these recalls were related to the physical appearance of said vehicles, like chipped paint or torn upholstery. However, just about all of them have to do with safety hazards that threaten drivers' well-being if they're in an accident.
"Many people still are unnecessarily risking their lives by not staying informed or taking action when their vehicle is under a recall," said Larry Gamache, Carfax communications director. "It's one of the many reasons family-oriented vehicles, including one in four minivans, are the most-highly impacted."
"The past two years have seen far too many automotive recalls."
Unfortunately, auto recalls aren't isolated incidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2014 was a record year for recalls, affecting nearly 64 million vehicles, the highest number in more than 30 years. Last year didn't see much of an improvement, however, as 51 million vehicles were recalled.
Takata hit with $200 million penalty
One of the more well known recalls that occurred fairly recently affected cars with airbags made by Takata. It turns out Takata violated the Motor Vehicle Safety Act by not reporting the safety issue with the airbags more swiftly to the proper authorities. As a result, the government has since imposed what's believed to be the largest civil penalty in NHTSA's history at north of $200 million.
"Today, we are holding Takata responsible for its failures, and we are taking strong action to protect the traveling public," said Mark Rosekind, NHTSA administrator, when the penalty was announced last November. "We are accelerating Takata recalls to get safe air bags into American vehicles more quickly, ensuring that consumers at the greatest risk are protected, and addressing the long-term risk of Takata's use of a suspect propellant."
More than 100 people in the U.S. have been injured in accidents where flawed Takata airbags were installed, tragically killing at least 10 drivers.
Automakers are required by law to inform vehicle owners if their cars are being recalled. However, whether it's due to losing these advisories in the mail or mistaking them for advertisements, many people are driving cars oblivious to this fact.
'Safe Cars Save Lives'
It's for this reason that the U.S. Department of Transportation wants Americans to be more proactive. Earlier this year, the DOT launched a public awareness campaign called "Safe Cars Save Lives." It urges consumers to look into whether any recalls affect them at least twice per year.
"25% of recalled vehicles are left unaddressed."
"Recalls are a serious safety issue that should be promptly addressed," said Anthony Foxx, DOT secretary. "An informed consumer is one of our strongest allies in ensuring recalled vehicles are repaired. Do not wait to act if your car is under recall and the parts are available."
NHTSA estimates that 25% of recalled vehicles are never repaired. Make sure your vehicle isn't one of them.
Click here to visit Selective's Auto & Consumer Safety Recall Page
