The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a consumer alert warning that says car owners should not bedazzle their steering wheels, saying they “could potentially cause significant injury or death.”
The NHTSA issued the alert after at least one driver suffered a serious injury that resulted in the loss of sight in one eye. The NHTSA said the rhinestones dislodged from the steering wheel during a crash, hitting the driver in the face.
The product is a metal or plastic plate, usually covered with rhinestones or other shiny decorations, with an adhesive back that covers the vehicle’s logo in the center of the steering wheel, according to the NHTSA. In a crash, the force of a deploying air bag can turn the product into a projectile, resulting in serious injury or death.
The NHTSA warns that unlike the permanently affixed logo on your vehicle’s steering wheel, these aftermarket decals can easily become dislodged when the air bag is deployed. Any alterations or changes to your air bag or its cover can also cause it to not function correctly.
NHTSA is asking consumers to avoid purchasing these steering wheel decals for all vehicle makes and models. Consumers should also remove any such decals that they have already applied to their steering wheels.
While we hope you or a loved one is never injured in a car crash, the attorneys of Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC are here to help should the need arise. Call 561-655-2028 to speak with one of our West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Wellington or Stuart Florida attorneys today
