Letter to Heidi King, Deputy Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - Troubling Deaths Caused by Keyless Vehicles

Letter

Dear Deputy Administrator King:

I am writing to express serious concerns regarding the numerous deaths of Americans due to keyless ignition systems. In 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA or the "administration") initiated a rulemaking regarding keyless ignition control systems to address the issue of carbon monoxide poisoning. In that proposal, the administration sought to standardize safety precautions relating to the operating of keyless ignition controls. Despite the NHTSA referring to keyless ignitions as a "clear safety problem," the administration has yet to finalize this rulemaking or take further action to institute strong safety standards regarding the operation of keyless ignition controls.

The number of vehicles manufactured with keyless ignition technology is growing, and so is the number of lives lost and injuries suffered due to carbon monoxide as a result of exhaust from vehicles with keyless ignition controls. Today, more than half of the 17 million new vehicles sold in the United States annually operate a keyless ignition. This technology has caused vehicle operators to inadvertently leave a vehicle running in an enclosed area, like an attached garage, which then fills their home with poisonous levels of carbon monoxide gas. Since 2006, reports found at least 28 deaths and 45 injuries due to carbon monoxide poisoning related to accidents resulting from a vehicle with keyless ignition. These accidents, which could be prevented, have resulted in numerous deaths of Americans or caused serious and permanent brain injury.

The NHTSA has postponed instituting regulations regarding keyless ignition control systems, and in that period, 21 people have lost their lives. I urge the NHTSA to promptly reconsider a rulemaking to establish safety standards of vehicles with keyless ignition control systems to ensure meaningful consumer protections. Furthermore, any proposed rule should cover both new and existing operating vehicles to ensure the safety of the millions of Americans who already own vehicles with keyless ignition controls. Instituting strong and enforceable standards could stop serious injuries and save American lives. Please respond to my request within 30 days with a plan of action detailing how the NHTSA will move forward.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Source