1 in 5 Vehicles on the Road Has an Open Recall–Yours Could Be One of Them

(NAPSI)–Considering young drivers are at a higher risk of motor vehicle crashes, it’s important for guardians to encourage safe behaviors such as wearing a seatbelt, observing the speed limit, and avoiding distractions. They should also make sure teens’ vehicles are as safe as possible. One easy way to make vehicles safer is to check for and repair open safety recalls. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1 in 5 vehicles on United States roads has an open safety recall.Recalls don’t always affect performance, so a vehicle could have a recall without the driver knowing. And, if an automaker does not have a vehicle owner’s current address on file, the owner may not receive recall notices.Checking for and repairing open safety recalls is a key step in keeping loved ones safe on the roads. It’s as important as regular maintenance services such as oil changes, tire rotations and wiper blade replacements. Parents and guardians can set a good example by modeling safe driving habits and ensuring their teen’s vehicle is road-ready and recall-free.Serious Risks of Unrepaired RecallsUnrepaired safety recalls pose a serious risk to drivers, passengers, and other road users.The Takata airbag recall, for example, has been linked to numerous severe injuries and deaths worldwide. Defective Takata airbag inflators can rupture, even in minor collisions, sending metal shrapnel flying throughout the vehicle’s cabin and causing serious injuries. According to CARFAX, there are still 6.4 million vehicles on the roads with these recalled airbags.Even if a recall doesn’t appear to affect daily driving, the risk can increase over time. Age and exposure to hot, humid climates makes Takata airbag inflators more likely to rupture. Simple actions, such as getting recalled parts repaired, can be the difference between life and death in the event of a crash. How to Check for Recalls Checking for recalls is quick, easy, and free. With families preparing to hit the roads for the holidays, now is an excellent time to ensure their vehicles are safe. Drivers should visit CheckToProtect.org and enter their license plate number, upload a photo of their license plate, or lookup their 17-character Vehicle Identification Number–also known as a VIN–to instantly learn if they have any safety recalls on their vehicle. For teen drivers, ensuring vehicles are recall-free adds an extra layer of protection as they travel to and from school, extracurricular activities, and social gatherings.How to Get Your Free Recall RepairIf the ChecktoProtect.org lookup tool indicates that a vehicle has an open safety recall, drivers should call an authorized dealer immediately to schedule a repair appointment. Even if the nearest authorized dealer isn’t close to where drivers live, it’s important to get the recall repaired to protect the drivers and their passengers.Authorized dealers will always repair a safety recall at no cost to the consumer, regardless of the age of the vehicle or whether it is under warranty. Drivers do not need to be the owner of the vehicle or a current or former customer of the dealership to get the free recall repair.Recall repairs can take as little as one hour, and many dealers offer options such as ride share vouchers, loaner cars, shuttles, and other services to ensure that consumers can get repairs completed without hassle. Dealers should be able to provide a time estimate when consumers schedule the repair appointment. If consumers call the dealer in advance, they can ask if they have the recall repair parts in stock to save time. Recall repairs will not negatively affect the value of a vehicle. Drivers should consider it a fix that will improve vehicle safety and save them money by preventing expensive damages in the future. Addressing recalls as soon as possible not only helps ensure the safety of drivers and their families, but also contributes to making the roads safer for everyone. Learn MoreFor further facts, visit CheckToProtect.org today.Word Count: 635