Did you know that Takata’s defective airbag inflators are behind the largest auto recall in history? As of August 2016, more than 34 million vehicles have been recalled for using Takata airbags. These airbags explode with such force during a collision, that occupants are sprayed with high-speed shrapnel.
Despite 10 deaths in the U.S. and more than 100 injuries, many Americans are still driving vehicles that use the defective airbags. An accident survivor who lost an eye from a faulty Takata airbag is speaking out to these Americans, warning that his fate could happen to anyone.
According to a video posted on Consumer Watch, the survivor was travelling 15 miles per hour when his Honda crashed into another vehicle. Despite traveling at a slow speed for a car, the airbag exploded with tremendous force, sending shrapnel directly into his face. The video sends a warning to consumers with recalled 2001-2003 Hondas and Acuras to seek repairs at dealerships immediately.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has warned that these airbag inflators have a 50 percent chance of exploding during a car accident. These vehicles are so dangerous that NHTSA has warned consumers not to drive them to the dealerships to be fixed.
How to Find Out If Your Vehicle is Using Takata Airbags
Fixing recalled vehicles should cost you absolutely nothing. If you own a car that uses Takata’s faulty airbag inflator, please visit your local dealership to receive a fix. You can visit www.safercar.gov and put your vehicle identification number (VIN) into the website’s search engine. Your vehicle’s VIN can be found on the driver’s side where your dashboard meets the windshield. The search results will let you know if your vehicle has been recalled.
Depending on the circumstances, and due to the size of the recall, some dealerships might still be experiencing shortages. Be sure to call first and ask if they have the parts you need.
The New Jersey personal injury attorneys at Keefe Law Firm encourage you to stay up to day on vehicle recall information.