When it comes to prevention of serious injury or death in an auto crash, our Tamarac car accident attorneys know that sometimes vehicle safety features – or a lack thereof – can make all the difference.
Now, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is offering consumers a tool that will help them to navigate the best and safest vehicle purchase options, as well as keep abreast of recalls and other important information.
It comes in the form of an iPhone and iPad application called SaferCar. Users looking to buy a car can search vehicle safety ratings by make and model. It’s similar to what is available already through SaferCar.gov, but now it’s at your fingertips in real time while you shop. You’ll easily be able to review and compare crash test ratings and see how the car you are looking to buy stacks up against other similar models on the market.
For example, let’s say you are comparing a 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe sport utility vehicle with a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee sport utility vehicle – both four-wheel drive. You would learn that while they are both fairly similarly rated overall, the Chevrolet fares better in frontal crashes. In fact, the NHTSA recommends the Jeep install forward collision warning technology. However, the Chevrolet falls short compared to the Jeep in terms of rollover safety.
The app also provides access to information regarding recalled vehicles or recalled vehicle parts, including tires and child safety seats. Last year, there were more than 17 million automotive-related recalls, so it’s understandable that one would have difficulty keeping up with them all. The app provides automated alerts. For example, there is a wealth of information on counterfeit airbags and how to watch out for a potential problem in your own vehicle. Consumers can even be customize alert settings according to your vehicle make and model or the type of car seat you have purchased.
With regard to car seats, the app also provides information about and directions to the nearest location where parents or grandparents can seek out a car seat inspection. Even if you are fairly certain you have installed the seat or booster correctly, there is no harm in having it checked over by a professional.
Users will also get real-time press releases from the NHTSA, which alerts motorists to hazardous driving trends, enhanced enforcement efforts and consumer complaints.
Consumers who want to make complaints too will have easy access to do so with the app, which contains a simple Q-and-A form that can be used to report safety problems with a certain vehicle.
In this way, you can view your participation as public service in itself. The majority of recalls and vehicle safety warnings are issued as a result of investigations initiated on the basis of consumer complaints.
While the app is currently only available at Apple’s iTunes store, the agency is working to develop a version that will be compatible with Android devices as well.
You can also link to the information by visiting www.SaferCar.gov.
Call Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez — 1-800-561-7777 for a free appointment to discuss your rights.
Additional Resources:
NHTSA Unveils ‘SaferCar’ App for iPhones, March 21, 2013, Press Release, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
More Blog Entries:
Rollover Accident Kills Port St. Lucie Driver, Feb. 17, 2013, Tamarac Car Accident Lawyer Blog