GM, Honda Conduct Massive Recall on Models over Fire Risk

In a document filed last Monday with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the two giant automakers, General Motors (GM) and Honda, are conducting a massive product recall on their models over fire risks.

GM is recalling approximately 41,000 Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Saturn cars due to possible fuel leaks. Cars impacted by the said recall include 2007 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac Torrent, Pontiac G5, and Saturn Ion cars. Also included are the other Cobalt and G5 cars manufactured between 2008 and 2009 that were originally registered in the states of Arizona, California, Florida, Texas, and Nevada.

Accordingly, the cars have defected part in which the plastic supply or return port on the fuel pump module may crack, which could eventually cause fuel leak.

The recent recall follows a similar move only last month wherein the company recalled about 474,000 units of Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Saturn over faulty transmissions.

On the other hand, Honda is likewise doing the same move, recollecting nearly 572,000 mid-size Accords over risk of catching fire as well.

The Honda’s U.S. arm explained that the cars have defective power steering hoses that could eventually deteriorate and may cause leak upon prolonged exposure to high under-hood temperatures and heat.

Incidentally, fuel leak may result in smoke outburst and in worst cases, fire. So far, Honda claimed that there have been no car accidents or injuries reported, only a single incident of engine fire.

Also, Honda’s recent move follows its previous product recall last May which impacted some 53,000 Acuras with V6 engines and model years between 2003 and 2007.

Meanwhile, both automakers are notifying owners of the cars for replacement of the affected parts free of charge.

Other than the car owners, a Los Angeles injury attorney likewise commends both companies for their sincerity in immediately addressing the problem before injuries or further accidents occur.

Metrolink Previews Multi-million Train Accident Prevention System

Recently, the Metrolink previewed an innovating $20 million worth of train accident prevention system for a top federal safety official.

The chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board, Deborah A.P. Hermsman, is eyeing a locomotive and a rail car equipped with beneficial train control technology and testing gear at a downtown Metrolink rail yard.

The said project includes global positioning system (GPS), digital radio communications, and computers to monitor trains and take control of them if necessary to prevent train accidents such as derailments and other collisions.

According to reports, Metrolink officials plan to install the system on its 500-mile California commuter rail network by December next year. It was actually two years earlier than the federal’s requirement for the system to be deployed nationwide. Meanwhile, field testing of the equipment is taking place during nights and weekends. 

Due to this sophisticated train safety system, the Metrolink has gained appreciation not only from the board’s chairwoman but also from the other federal officials and local transit leaders upon seeing the rail transit’s dedication to the project.

Incidentally, the concept of the project came in light of the 2008 Chatsworth crash that killed 25 people and injured some 135 more individuals. The said incident was blamed to a Metrolink engineer who missed a red light because of texting. Apparently, if the system has been installed, such train collisions can be avoided.

Meanwhile, in a previous discussion, the Federal Railroad Association recommended that Congress should delay the deadline of the project because many local railroads will not be able to meet the deadline for some technical reasons. However, Hermsman noted that if the 2015 deadline is rolled back, more rail accidents might occur.

Moreover, critics say that such project is too costly and will not work.  On such comment, Hermsman further claimed that such issue was already brought up by the aviation industry, which initially refused to install the system in the aircrafts at first. Nevertheless, the system eventually became a standard requirement for many types of aircraft and has in fact, significantly reduced plane accidents.

While hoping for the best, a Los Angeles injury attorney is right now looking forward to the success of this project in the railway industry since he already witnessed its efficiency in the aviation industry.