4 Chrysler’s Sake No Dodging Air Bag Deaths

US says 33 drivers now killed world-wide by exploding Takata air bags in pre-2010 Dodge & Chrysler sedans that rocketed shrapnel into victims. A recall of 247K cars is 1 thing, but NHTSA urges “DO NOT DRIVE” until made safe.

Fox Biz notes Takata used ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion to inflate air bags in a crash. But, the “chemical can become more volatile over time when exposed to moisture in the air and repeated high temperatures.” That’s apparently when the explosion can rupture a metal canister & send shrapnel throughout the passenger seats. According to Stellantis, which now owns the Dodge-Chrysler brand, most of the deaths & about 400 injuries have happened in the US, but some also were reported in Australia and Malaysia.

The recalled vehicles covered by the “Do Not Drive” warning are the Dodge Magnum wagons, Dodge Challenger and Charger muscle cars and Chrysler 300 sedans built from 2005 thru 2010. Said Tom McCarthy, global head of safety at Stellantis: “Time is a critical element here because the risk increases with each day these air bag inflators go unreplaced.” Added Ann Carlson, NHTSA’s Acting Administrator: “This holiday season, don’t let yourself or someone you love be at risk of dying or being seriously injured because of a defective, recalled Takata air bag.”

Davd Soul