The attorneys generals of 17 states and the District of Columbia sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urging the agency to recall Kia and Hyundai vehicles prone to theft.
The letter comes after the companies said they would upgrade the software of nearly 8 million vehicles that lack an immobilizer, a security device that prevents the car from being started without the correct key present . The software upgrade includes lengthening of the alarm sound from 30 seconds to one minute. It also will require the key to be in the ignition switch to turn the vehicle on.
The attorneys general said that these thefts have led to an increase in dangerous driving incidents. “Thieves have driven these vehicles recklessly, speeding and performing wild stunts and causing numerous crashes, at least eight deaths, and significant injuries. Many of the victims have been minors,” the AGs wrote. “As long as these easily hotwired and stolen Hyundai and Kia vehicles remain unfixed, local police departments and emergency services agencies will continue expending resources in response to the public safety threat,” the AGs wrote.
“Enabling criminals to share the tools and techniques of their trade through posting videos online adversely impacts all consumers,” Celeste Dodson, president of the International Association of Special Investigation Units, said in a press release. “When a vehicle is stolen, it is often not the end of the crime but the beginning. Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com