Each year, an estimated 1.3 million people globally die as a result of road traffic crashes. In most cases, fatal crashes are attributed to driver error. But there are instances where traffic accidents are directly linked to defects in the vehicle.
The typical car has countless elements that go into its construction. As a result, the potential points of failure are endless.
In today’s post, we highlight the four top vehicle defects that are responsible for fatal accidents. Read on to learn more.
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Table of Contents
Defective Brakes
A vehicle’s brakes are its most critical safety feature. Brakes allow you to slow down or stop instantly, avoiding serious accidents. Faulty brakes are thus one of the greatest motor vehicle defects you can encounter.
Some signs of brake problems include:
- A hard brake pedal
- A spongy brake pedal
- Vibrations when braking
- Squealing sounds
- A persistent warning light
Driving a car with any of the above issues is a classic example of how it happens when you’re involved in an accident. If you’ve noticed any of these issues, it’s thus essential that you visit your local mechanic to get them resolved.
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Defective Tires
Another clear sign that you have a defective or unsafe vehicle is if its tires are worn out or damaged in some way. Such tires can make it difficult to maintain control of your vehicle, increasing the chances of causing an accident.
There are many tire defects that may prove dangerous when driving your car. These include tires that are unsuitable for the car, tread and steel belt separation, tires that lack all the necessary components, punctured tires, and so on.
In particular, you need to pay attention to tire issues that may cause blowouts.
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Design Flaws
Manufacturing defects in cars are more common than you may think. In 2020 alone, over 31 million vehicles were recalled in the US due to such defects.
A vehicle with design flaws is usually less crashworthy. Such a vehicle may cause severe injury or death to its occupants if involved in a crash
If you suspect that your car doesn’t meet the federally imposed safety standards after you’ve already bought it, talk to the dealership right away. More importantly, don’t drive a car that’s been recalled as a result of manufacturing defects.
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Airbag Defects
Your car’s airbags provide instant cushioning when an accident starts. They’ve been a safety requirement in all passenger cars for decades now.
Some of the common airbag issues you need to be on the lookout for include:
- Airbags that fail to deploy
- Airbags that deploy at the wrong time
- Airbags that deploy with excessive force or too fast
These issues indicate that you have a defective vehicle, and you shouldn’t drive it before resolving them.
Deal With Vehicle Defects Promptly to Avert Fatal Crashes
Some defects in your car are a huge threat to your life and that of its occupants. In particular, vehicle defects that involve the car’s brakes, tires, design, and airbags call for immediate attention. Driving your vehicle with these defects is a recipe for disaster.
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