Is Your Car or Motorcycle an Accident Waiting to Happen?
Although you may not be proud of it, you’ve probably put off some car and/or motorcycle repairs in your life. Small issues like a wiggling arm rest or a broken stereo may not put you and your family in danger, but there are certain problems that, when ignored, turn your vehicle into a ticking time bomb just waiting to go off at a moment’s notice.
Don’t drive around in an accident waiting to happen. By paying attention to the service your car or motorcycle needs and addressing issues promptly, you’ll be able to sleep at night knowing that you and your loved ones are as safe as possible. Here’s a look at a few commonly overlooked problems with cars and motorcycles that can prove disastrous:
Burnt-Out Bulbs
Burnt-out headlights, tail lights, brake lights, or turn signals happen quite frequently, and can cause major problems in a very short window of time. As a driver, it’s your responsibility to ensure that other vehicles are able to see you on the road, and that they can anticipate when you’re about to stop, back up, or turn. If an accident occurs as a direct result of burnt-out lights, you will be held liable for any injury to persons or property. Check your lights regularly to make sure they are operating correctly and never drive on the road when any of your bulbs are not working properly.
Uneven Tire Wear
When you’re driving, it’s not always obvious that your vehicle’s tires have been worn unevenly, but you shouldn’t wait until your car or motorcycle starts bumping and rattling before you take notice. Worn tires can be hazardous because of their reduced grip on the road, which can lead to accidents. We recommend that you have your tires rotated regularly in order to prevent this type of problem. A good rule of thumb is to rotate tires and adjust alignment at every oil change.
Recall Items
So, you received a notice in the mail that a factory recall has been announced on a part for your car or motorcycle. Too many drivers fail to take these recalls as seriously as they should. If a manufacturer has recalled a part, it is because it has caused serious damage to life and property for other drivers. Although taking your car into the dealership and having it worked on for one or more days may seem inconvenient, it’s absolutely crucial that you take care of it right away.
Check Engine Light
When the “Check Engine” light comes on, you probably groan in frustration. Don’t be one of the drivers who refuses to get the car or bike checked out and simply hopes that the light will turn off and the problem will magically go away. While the problem could be as simple as a loose gas cap, it could also be an indication of contaminated gas, the need to replace your O2 sensor, or other major issues that could wreak havoc on your engine and eventually lead to an accident. Feel free to tighten your gas cap first, but if that doesn’t make the light go off after a few days, take it in for service right away.
Vehicle Roll-away
Drivers of cars with automatic transmission that were built before September 2010 should pay special attention to the hidden danger of vehicle roll-away. These cars were manufactured before the implementation of Brake Transmission Safety Interlock (BTSI) and can be shifted out of park, even when the vehicle’s engine is turned off and the driver’s foot is not on the brake. Left unattended in cars like these, children are capable of shifting the gear stick and causing the vehicle to roll and possibly collide with a stationary object, person, or another vehicle. Always keep your car locked, never leave children alone in your vehicle, and always engage the parking brake when the car is stopped.
We care about your well-being and don’t want to see you or a loved one injured in an auto or motorcycle accident. For more tips on driver safety or legal advice pertaining to automobile or motorcycle law, please reach out to the pros at Mintz Law Firm today.