A woman approaches the crest of a hill in her car when lights flash and an audible warning goes off. This allows her to stop before she collides with a broken down vehicle hidden out of sight just on the other side of the hill. It’s not science fiction. This is just one of countless scenarios illustrating how a new vehicle communication technology can cut down on thousands of car accidents and deaths each year.
Last week the National Highway Traffic safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the release of the first federally-proposed recommendations to limit distracting electronic devices in vehicles. According to the press release, “The proposed voluntary guidelines would apply to communications, entertainment, information gathering and navigation devices or functions that are not required to safely operate the vehicle.”
Besides the obvious danger of defective car seats that may fail during a crash, other less apparent risks exist. These include improper child restraint use, faulty installation, and even -- believe it or not -- toxic chemicals.
Last week, Britax Child Safety, Inc. announced the voluntary safety recall of all of their Britax Chaperone Infant Car Seats with the following model numbers and colors:
E9L692J (Black/Silver)
E9L692K (Red)
E9L692L (Cowmooflage)
E9L692M (Green)
These child restraint seats were manufactured between September 1, 2010 and April 30, 2011. 14,220 car seats are included in this recall.
This coming Tuesday afternoon, the Florida Senate Judiciary Committee chaired by Senator Anitere Flores will take up an anti-consumer bill involving automobile safety. This bill is being spearheaded by Ford Motor Company and if passed, will have huge consequences for consumers who are maimed and killed by defective cars.
