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February 2005 >02/08/05
Accident Reconstruction
News Article
WBBM's Investigative Reporter
Dave Savini Uncovers Inadvertent Airbag Deployments
CHICAGO, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- CBS
2's Dave Savini and the station's investigative team have uncovered a concerning
trend of airbags inflating for no apparent reason. Savini learned that 117
complaints involving 2001-2003 Volkswagen GOLFS, GTIS, and JETTAS have been
filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In
some cases, the deployments have resulted in serious injuries including
bruises, burns, broken bones, and in one case, the loss of an eye.
CBS 2 learned of driver complaints about airbags deploying
after hitting potholes, rocks and curbs; while driving on the highway; backing
out of driveways; and even when cars are parked. "We heard this loud
bang like a shotgun," recalls one driver whose airbag deployed in her
2001 VW Jetta while on the highway with her family. "Immediately the
car filled with smoke. I kept saying no, the airbags didn't just go off
by themselves, something must have hit us. And my husband said, nothing
hit us."
A Volkswagen spokesman says there are no defects with the
airbags. He says that although the devices are not "100% perfect,"
the company's airbags still save lives.
The NHTSA has launched an investigation.
Source: WBBM
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