Automotive Safety

Used Car Sales

   Many previously owned vehicles on the market may have undisclosed issues that can pose a risk to public safety (e.g., rusted undercarriage, faulty brakes, drivetrain issues, etc.). This may be prevented if there was a mandatory certification process where used vehicles are required to disclose any safety issues prior to selling the vehicle. Similar to a window sticker for new vehicles, all used vehicles should be required to display the certification report to the purchaser, or the title won't transfer to the new owner.

Senior Citizens

   In order to reduce the number of accidents involving senior citizens that were unable to stop their vehicle to avoid a collision, all elderly drivers (age 60+) should be required to operate vehicles with an automatic emergency braking system. That way, the vehicle's forward collision system would automatically apply the brakes to avoid an accident that improves public safety. Even though automatic braking systems exist for new vehicles, it is not a requirement for elderly drivers.

Driving While Impaired

   All impaired driving offenders should be required to have alcohol ignition interlock devices installed in their vehicles. These are portable breathalyzers that prevent the vehicle from starting if the driver's blood alcohol level exceeds a safe limit. Some states in America require this limitation, while others don't, and some only require it for repeat offenders. This inconsistency causes an overall public safety concern that can easily be prevented as a federal mandate.

Engine Safety (New Engine)

   Auto manufacturers should be required to treat new engines with an engine block sealer to repair any microscopic cracks and defects that may occur during the manufacturing process. This will not only improve the fuel efficiency and performance of the vehicle, but also reduces the chances of a possible catastrophic engine failure that poses a risk to the consumer.

Engine Safety (Fuel Treatment)

   Oil companies should be required to add fuel stabilizers to their gasoline that will extend their life to a year or longer before it degrades. The reason why is that consumers typically add fresh fuel to stale gasoline that is already compromised in the tank that can cause gum and varnish deposits in the fuel line (which is a possible safety hazard). Oil companies can add year-long fuel stabilizers to their products that will prevent the possibility of engine failure, or stall, while driving.