DOT Starts Automatic Vehicle Safety Recall Notification Service
Getting safety recall information to consumers in the fastest way possible is the object of a new automated system announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters. The public can receive alerts by e-mail or RSS feed on their personal computers, cell phones, or PDA devices at no cost. Consumers can elect to receive all vehicle recalls as they are made public or personalize the alerts to specific vehicles. To start receiving the alerts, go to www.safercar.gov and select the "Email recall notifications" option.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration , there are about 600 vehicle recalls each year, but about 25 percent of motorists typically ignore them when they are announced. "It is extremely important that people are aware of recalls and act quickly to get their vehicles repaired," Peters said. "When it comes down to it, ignoring a recall means ignoring a safety defect that could put you and your family at risk."
Earlier this year, NHTSA also introduced automated recall alerts for child safety seats and tires. "I urge everyone to visit the safercar.gov website and sign up for all three recall alert programs,” said NHTSA Acting Administrator David Kelly. "In these cases, information is not just power, it can save your life and the lives of your family and loved ones."