Automotive Safety

Used Car Sales

   Previously owned vehicles may have undisclosed mechanical issues that may pose a risk to public safety (e.g., rusted undercarriage, faulty brakes, drivetrain issues, etc.). This may be preventable if there was a mandatory certification process where used vehicles are required to disclose any safety issues prior to selling the vehicle (as a color-coded certification report with red indicating a serious matter). Similar to a window sticker for new vehicles, all used vehicles should be required to provide the evaluation report, or the title shouldn'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 in time 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 in order to avoid a collision and improve public safety. Even though there is currently a policy regarding automatic braking systems for new vehicles, it is not a requirement for elderly drivers.

Driving While Impaired

   Those convicted of impaired driving 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 a public safety concern that may be easily 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 have occurred during the manufacturing process. This low-cost measure will not only improve the fuel efficiency and performance of the vehicle, but also reduces the chances of a possible engine failure that poses a safety risk to the consumer.

Engine Safety (Fuel Treatment)

   Oil companies should be required to add fuel stabilizers that extend the life of their gasoline products to a year or longer before they may degrade. The reason is that the fuel from seldomly used gas stations is already decomposing by the time that it is purchased by consumers, making the gasoline a defective product. Adding to a vehicle's tank that is partially decomposed as well can cause gum deposits and varnish in the fuel line (which is a possible safety hazard). To prevent this and to protect the consumer from purchasing a defective product, oil companies should be required to add fuel stabilizers that extend their product's life to a year or longer that prevents the possibility of engine failure, or stall, while driving.