According to the National Safety Council (NSC), about 1 in 5 vehicles in North Carolina have open safety recalls. Manufacturers fix these defects for free, but many car owners are not aware they may have a recall, potentially risking their safety and additional damage to their vehicle.
The student chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) at UNC Charlotte has coordinated with the NSC to encourage everyone to check their vehicles prior to holiday travel. Andrew McLean, a senior in the Fire & Safety Engineering Technology program, who is serving as acting president for the University’s s ASSP chapter, explained two ways to do this:
- Visit www.checktoprotect.org and enter the VIN to look up possible recalls for your specific vehicle and where to have them fixed by the manufacturer
- Text “RECALL” to 99724. When you enter your license plate number, recall information for the make/model/year of your vehicle will be provided. (More details may be needed for your specific vehicle.)
"It's easy and free to check your car before the holidays to make your drive safer,” said McLean. “Then tell your friends and family to do the same. Every car fixed makes it safer for everyone on the road."
For more information, email Mike Benjamin in the Fire & Safety Engineering Technology program at mbenjam3@uncc.edu.