GM Recalls Compact Cars Due to Faulty Ignitions; Most Fatalities Under Age 25 admin Tuesday, April 1, 2014 Feature, The Receipt, Your Money and You General Motors has a huge problem on their hands, but until recently the car manufacturer decided to do something about it. For over a decade, according to the AP, GM has known about the issues with their ignitions. In February, they recalled over 2.6 million Cobalts, Ions, and other small cars. One of the issues were with the faulty ignition, which seems to cut off the ignition while the car is still in motion. This problem is what some investigators say has contributed to many fatal accidents. Apparently, when the ignition is shut off, this kills the power steering, airbags, and brakes, thus making it difficult for the driver to control the vehicle and prevent crashing. Reports claims that the low-price of these cars are likely the reason why most of the fatalities involved persons under age 25. Of those, 15 were under age 25, and 18 were women. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, drivers ages 16 to 24 were involved in 23 percent of the 35,306 fatal crashes in the U.S. in 2012. Safety experts suggests that young people have a harder time controlling a vehicle with no power steering. Unlike drivers from previous generations, young people don’t know what it’s like to drive without power steering, safety experts say. Even some older drivers could be startled when power steering goes away. Several lawsuits are pending against GM. Congressional hearings on the matter will presume Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.
