All too often, we report on auto recalls and drivers still ask us why we do so. As reports of accidents surface, we urge drivers to pay attention. And still, many will ignore these announcements, acting as if nothing could ever hurt them.
According to a series of news reports, Japanese airbag and auto parts maker Takata may soon be settling a criminal case involving its explosive airbag inflators.
Reports show that the company may have mishandled the defective airbags. And prosecutors are now considering to add charges to this case by accusing the company of committing wire fraud. If it’s established that Takata made misleading statements regarding the faulty air bags, the company could have extra charged added to its case. Regardless, it is expected that the company and the U.S. Department of Justice will settle for $1 billion. It is also expected that the company will file for bankruptcy in the near future.
The issues associated with the airbags related to this legal case have been responsible for at last 11 deaths and 184 injuries.
Since the metal inflators in these airbags may explode mid-deployment, shrapnel may fly into occupants in the vehicles’ cabins. In many cases, crashes that would have otherwise produced no injuries turned out to be fatal.
At least 29 million cars have been impacted by this recall in America, with 19 automakers having to recall its vehicles to have the airbag inflators replaced. But officials say that the recall is expected to impact up to 70 million inflators and at least 42 million cars.
In our blog, we have reported about the Takata-related airbag recalls to exhaustion, warning drivers they should make sure their vehicles are repaired as soon as possible.
Drivers who are serious about their safety should always heed the manufacturer’s instructions whenever their vehicle has been impacted by a recall. Stay safe by focusing on the road and by having your vehicle repaired as soon as possible.
You may click here if you would like to know more about this settlement.
