While North Carolina motorists are aware that car accidents do occur on a regular basis, they expect their vehicles to provide certain protections to keep them safe from severe injury in the event of a crash.
However, motorists should be aware that there are companies and people in the U.S. that have been selling counterfeit auto parts, including air bags that are meant to keep drivers and their passengers safe. According to a warning from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), even auto products that have major company names on air bags could be fraudulent. This warning was issued earlier this month.
Instead of inflating properly or inflating at all, counterfeit air bags could blast out pieces of metal and plastic during an impact, transportation officials reported. Criminals are selling these air bags to suppliers and consumers, according to the enforcement director for U.S. Immigration and Customs.
Although government officials are unsure of the exact number of vehicles in the U.S. with the fake air bags, the NHTSA said it estimated the number to be in the tens of thousands. Motorists should make sure to have their vehicles checked for the counterfeit air bags. Government officials warn that fake air bags should be replaced immediately in order to avoid serious harm in the event of a traffic accident.
In addition to the warning, the transportation secretary reiterated that all drivers should be concerned about this issue and make safety their number one priority.
Air bags and seat belts may certainly help to minimize injuries after a car accident. But whether ones injuries include broken bones or head trauma, victims of accidents caused by negligent drivers are still entitled to seek compensation for their pain and suffering. When a defective auto product contributes to one’s injuries after an accident, the victim may be able to obtain compensation from other parties as well.
Source: Fox News, “NHTSA warns of counterfeit airbags in U.S. vehicles,” Victoria Craig, Oct. 10, 2012
- Our firm represents people injured in traffic accidents. Visit our Fayetteville car accidents page for more information.