Keyless cars are meant to make life a little easier; but in some cases the advanced technology is proving fatal.
A review by the New York Times has found that since 2006, twenty-eight people have been killed and another forty five injured because of keyless engines. In each situation, the driver accidentally left the car running in the garage because they mistakenly thought the car would shut off if they walked away with the key fob.
This led to the attached home becoming filled with deadly carbon monoxide gas. In 2011, the national highway traffic safety administration said it would not require automatic shut off systems in cars because it could not determine what the proper amount of time would be.
The traffic safety administration also argued that some car owners intentionally want their cars to remain running. Most likely this is when they leave a pet inside that needs heat or air conditioning.
Meanwhile, Ford has taken matters into its own hands and after thirty minutes its keyless vehicles will automatically shut off. Might be worth a second look the next time you park.
About Brian
CBS News Radio national business journalist Brian Banmiller has spent more than 40 years in the news industry, covering business, politics and the economy on television, radio and in print. Currently, his “Banmiller on Business” reports are delivered to an audience of millions nationwide.
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"The Technology Tornado: Media & Communications in the Modern Era"
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August 28th, 2019
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