Keyless Ignitions Can Cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
With a wide range of different models, you can turn the vehicle's engine off with its transmission in any position and take the fob with you in all keyless vehicles. People can leave their motor running, and it won't turn off when the key fob is out of range, contrary to what many believe.
With any new technology, there are benefits, but dangers as well, in some cases. Here is a cautionary tale from Service King East Ft. Worth in Fort Worth, TX, a shop that believes in safety, accountability and full transparency.
Recently, the New York Times identified at least 28 people died from carbon monoxide poisoning after accidentally leaving their keyless-ignition car running in their garage. More than 40 others have also been injured, suffering brain damage so severe that they have difficulty performing daily tasks.
The main problem, industry experts claim, is that when using a button instead of a key to turn off the engine, some drivers (especially those with quieter models) simply forget that the automobile is still running when they exit the car.
Fatalities and injuries due to carbon monoxide produced by combustion engines have always been a serious problem for drivers and passengers alike. One piece of good news is that improvements in auto design have diminished many of the risks associated with this issue, although deaths caused by keyless ignition systems are will prevalent and truly concerning nationwide.
Today, EPA emission standards and the ongoing development of the catalytic converter have significantly reduced carbon monoxide levels. However, 13 states do not currently require emissions testing in any way, while others only require testing in certain areas. One of the greatest risks today is probably the unintended operation of a car, truck or SUV in an enclosed area that can lead to highly dangerous concentrations of carbon monoxide. When carbon monoxide levels are too high, severe injury or death will occur quickly.
Technology has changed the way drivers can start and shut down their cars. In the former configuration where a key is needed to start up the car, the driver must first locate their key, place the key within the ignition, and subsequently turn the key to start up the vehicle. When the driver turns the key using this old school system, there is some immediate feedback from the resistance while turning the key and due to the noise that emanates from the engine as it starts. The process is highly ritualized and pretty soon it enters the drivers subconscious, unlike with a keyless ignition.
By contrast, keyless ignition systems cause a series of changes in driver behavior. These systems do not provide the same amount of feedback to the driver, if any at all. Keyless ignition systems can start the car if it's within range, but with one inadvertent push of a button while in one’s pocket or purse can kill.
Furthermore, the car's engine will remain running right up until the driver realizes that it has been accidentally turned on. If a vehicle is parked in an attached garage, for example, fumes from the running motor (including carbon monoxide) can seep into the house, which can lead to severe injury or death for people inside the home.
Keyless ignition systems are convenient, but make sure they're not dangerous or fatal before you acquire a vehicle with a keyless ignition.
Service King East Ft. Worth, 7933 Ederville Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76120
Sources: YouTube and Metro
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