BMW Recalls Certain M3 Models

by November 24, 2008
BMW is recalling 2,500 M3s with optional double clutch transmissions, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA).  The 2008-2009 model year is affected. When braking quickly at low speeds, the transmission software may cause the engine to stall.  This could increase the likelihood of a crash,  NHTSA said.  At the Gomez Law Firm, we have extensive experience representing the victims of auto defects, including roof crush, tire defects and rollovers.  If you or someone you love has been the victim of any defective product, call or write a personal injury attorney  at the Gomez Law Firm today.    Read more »

Ford, Lincoln, Mercury Fire Danger

by November 17, 2008
Approximately five million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles recalled due to a fire risk have not been repaired and are at risk for catching fire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  The vehicles have defective cruise control switches that could cause them to catch fire even when not running.  NHTSA says about seven million owners have already had their vehicles repaired, and the organization is urging the remaining five million owners to have their vehicles serviced. The affected vehicles are: 1993–2004 Ford F150 1993–1999 Ford F250 (gasoline engine) 1993–1996 Ford Bronco 1994–1996 Ford Econoline 1997–2002 Ford Expedition …. » Read more »

Pickup Truck Deaths on the Rise

by November 6, 2008
The number of people killed in car crashes reached an all-time low in 2007, but the number of people killed in pickup truck crashes has increased 55% since 1975, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).  Last year, pickup trucks accounted for the highest number of deaths per registered vehicle in single-vehicle crashes.  There were 59 deaths for every million vehicles registered. Since 1978, pickups and SUVs have had a higher percentage of rollover deaths than cars.  Single-vehicle rollover crashes accounted for 47% of occupant deaths in SUVs, 38% of occupant deaths in pickup trucks and 21% of occupant deaths in cars …. » Read more »

Antilock Brakes Reduce Fatal Motorcycle Crashes

by October 30, 2008
Antilock braking systems (ABS) on motorcycles reduce fatal crashes by 38%, according to a study published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  Studies in 1988 and 2004 found that braking was a major factor contributing to motorcycle accidents.  ABS is a relatively new development on motorcycles.  In 1988, BMW was the first manufacturer to make the technology available on motorcycles.  Only 18% of vehicles in the most recent study were equipped with the ABS option.  The study did not examine the difference in riding habits among those buyers who purchased ABS and those who did not. Annual motorcyclist deaths in the United States more …. » Read more »

Ten People Killed in California Bus Crash

by October 6, 2008
Ten people were killed and approximately 35 more were injured when a charter bus drifted off a rural California road, swerved back onto the road and then rolled into a ditch, according to published reports. The bus departed Sacramento Sunday and was headed for the Colusa Casino Resort.  The crash occurred in Williams, Calif. at 6:10 p.m., officials said.  The bus was approximately 10 miles from it destination.  Some passengers were thrown from the bus as it rolled, and others were crushed under the vehicle, according to the California Highway Patrol. None of the victims had been identified Monday.  The bus had an invalid Texas …. » Read more »

Top 11 Safest Cars

by October 1, 2008
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has named its top picks for the most crashworthy cars.  Among the winners are four small cars, two midsize cars, two SUVs, one large luxury car, one small pickup and a midsize convertible.  The Institute’s picks are the 2009 Honda Civic with optional electronic stability control, 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer with optional electronic stability control, 2008-09 Scion xB, 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 2009 Volkswagen Passat, 2009 Lincoln MKS, 2009 Ford Flex, 2009 Honda Pilot, 2009 Toyota Tacoma and 2009 Volkswagen Eos. All of the winners have the best overall crash protection in their classes, the Institute said.  The vehicles earned …. » Read more »

Best Child Booster Seats

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More than a dozen car booster seats may not do a good enough job protecting children in crashes, according to one safety organization.  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety identified 13 booster seats Wednesday that do not position children well enough to fit into adult seat belts.  The booster seats receiving low marks from the Institute are: the Compass B505, Compass B510, Cosco/Dorel Traveler, Evenflo Big Kid Confidence, Safety Angel Ride Ryte, Cosco/Dorel Alpha Omega, Cosco/Dorel (Eddie Bauer) Summit, Cosco Highback Booster, Dorel/Safety 1st (Eddie Bauer) Prospect, Evenflo Chase Comfort Touch, Evenflo Generations, Graco CarGo Zephyr and Safety 1st/Dorel Intera.  At least two of …. » Read more »

Government Roof Crush Standard Weak

by September 11, 2008
Six vehicles that passed government roof strength standards failed a real world test.  When the vehicles were tested in actual rollovers, the crash test dummies were impacted in ways that would have killed or paralyzed human occupants.    The cars tested were the 2007 Pontiac G6, 2006 Chrysler 300, 2007 Toyota Camry, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta, 2006 Honda Ridgeline and 2006 Hyundai Sonata.  The cars were tested using the Jordan Rollover System, which simulates a vehicle rollover.  The National Traffic Highway Safety Administration does not use a rollover test to gauge roof strenth.  Rather, it uses a static test with an vehicle …. » Read more »

Ten Least Crashworthy Cars

by September 2, 2008
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety performs various crash tests to assess the safety performance of vehicles sold in the United States.  What follows is a list of the ten worst performers.  These are ten cars you DO NOT want to be in if involved in an accident.  The Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent are the worst of the worst.  The sturdy looking Hummer H3 is a surprising addition to the list. 10. Hummer H3 — Front: Acceptable, Side: Acceptable, Rear: Poor 9. Jeep Patriot (without optional side-airbags) — Acceptable, Marginal, Acceptable 8. Pontiac G6 Convertible — Acceptable, Marginal, …. » Read more »

Old Tires May Cause Vehicle Rollovers

by August 29, 2008
Testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has shown that when tires are approximately six years old, the chance of tread separation increases substantially.  This means that an aging tire can self-destruct, causing a catastrophic blowout on the roadways.  Under these circumstances, drivers often lose control of their vehicles.  Those vehicles with higher centers of gravity, such as SUVS, are at serious risk for rolling or overturning. Aging tires are a stealthy hazard because they may still have tread life.  For example, a spare tire that it approximately 6 years old may never have been used; however, it is dangerous nonetheless.  …. » Read more »
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