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DMVs Nationwide Step Up Effort To Educate Drivers Of Safety Risk Posed...

In an effort to educate drivers of the potentially deadly safety hazards posed by a common auto theft prevention device, an increasing number of states are including information adopted from the Automobile Safety Foundation (ASF), a not-for-profit automobile safety group dedicated to improving vehicle safety and saving lives, concerning the safe operation of steering lock systems.

    


Adhering to ASF's8217;s advisory, which cautions drivers of the dangers associated with steering lock systems and provides operational instructions for all locking mechanisms in production, The California Department of Motor Vehicles, which will print the ASF steering lock warning and operational materials in its 2006 California Driver Handbook, is the latest to join this national effort. Florida, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Maryland, Oklahoma, Iowa, Utah, Massachusetts, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, South Dakota, Nevada and North Dakota are among a number of states already using the foundation's8217;s copyrighted educational materials.

    


In an attempt to address and 's8220;reduce the incidence of crashes resulting from theft and accidental rollaway of motor vehicles,'s8221; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114 of 1969 required all manufacturers to equip new passenger cars with a key-locking system that prevented mobility once the ignition key was removed. Although being proven as relatively ineffective measures in deterring automobile theft -- which has more than tripled since their introduction -- steering lock systems have also been implicated in property damage, serious injuries and fatalities's8230;'s8221; from 's8220;inadvertent lockup.'s8221; as stated in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's8217;s (NHTSA) Federal Register.

    


Despite numerous consumer reports with NHTSA, ASF, Highway Patrols and various public safety organizations about accidents reportedly caused by 's8220;inadvertent lockups,'s8221; the NHTSA, DOT, national DMVs and other regulatory bodies have done little to replace, train and/or warn the public of the hazard until now.



The ASF, in conjunction with state DMVs and departments of public safety, is co-authoring material that will assist the public in becoming familiar with the various safety features of commonly-used auto lock systems. Currently being printed in most driver handbooks and highway safety literature, the cautionary statement reads, 's8220;Never turn your vehicle'ss ignition to the 'slock's position while it is still in motion. This will cause the steering wheel to lock and you will lose control of your vehicle.



Supplementing this effort in understanding that the operation of steering locks is fundamental to safe driving, the ASF, in addition to working with state departments to print the above caveat, has produced a wallet-sized travel card. Enabling drivers to remove keys on borrowed or rented vehicles, aid in auto theft prevention and avoid potential loss of vehicle control, it carries the warning and displays operating instructions for the six universal steering lock systems. Exclusively available through the ASF website (www.carsafe.org), the ASF Card is able to be customized with personal contact information, optional emergency phone card capabilities and is complimentary available to the public with a one-time, tax deductible donation. ASF welcomes corporate sponsorship for the ASF Card.



With the advent of 21st century pre-emptive auto theft technologies including keyless and/or electronic immobilization systems 's8211;as opposed to tumbler-activated and spring-loaded designs, which can wear out and malfunction over time causing the steering to suddenly lock. General Motors, Chrysler and some Ford Models, with encouragement from the ASF, have introduced the new safe and effective 's8220;Immobilizer's8221; anti-theft prevention alternative. As a result, most auto makers, today, have at least one model in production with the new 's8220;Immobilizer's8221; systems. Endorsed by the NHTSA as and 's8220;advancement's8221; in 's8220;modern theft prevention technology,'s8221; that constitutes 's8220;technological advances,'s8221; the ASF proactively supports the group to enact more progressive legislation that regulates and mandates the use of these modern technologies.'s8221;

    
    


Founded in 1988, the Automobile Safety Foundation is an independent 501 (c) (3) non profit, organization that researches and develops ways to improve vehicle safety while addressing public driving awareness and auto safety issues. Although the ASF does not serve companies or private interest organizations, the foundation encourages government agencies and automobile manufactures alike to adopt regulations and equipment in support of vehicle and driver safety, including external airbags, shock absorbing seats, safe mirrors that reduce and/or eliminate blind spots, hands-free cellular and distress system technologies, as well as alternative fuels. For information on the foundation's8217;s efforts, including the ASF Card, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities and to make a donation/grant, please visit www.carsafe.org or call 858.831.1871. You can also write the Automobile Safety Foundation at P.O. Box 12183 La Jolla, CA 92039-2183.

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