Focus On: Aftermarket Vehicle Modifications
The trend towards commercial individualism continues to evolve and intensify in America as never before in our nation's history. From the old standby of customized logos, slogans, photos... on T-shirts purchased along the Village's Bleecker Street shops or online (at same store's website) to the newly announced design-your-own-sneakers from Nike iD, the marketplace today has reacted quickly to broaden the commercial avenues for self-expression, thus moving greater quantities of unique product.
While generally encouraged, this individualism can result in serious or fatal injury to oneself and others in the aftermarket vehicle modifications market. Drivers may make after-market adaptations to their cars, without regard for the laws or vehicle safety regulations and, all too often, lack the knowledge or anticipation of the consequences of these enhancements. Sometimes the modifications will diminish the safety of their vehicle, will impede their ability to properly observe the roadway, or will increase the danger to others as a result of collision. Excessively bright headlights or foglights, for example, can blind oncoming drivers. Where after-market modifications are performed by a company, that company may also face liability if the modifications contribute to an accident or injury. It can not be stressed enough: during the investigation and reconstruction phases of serious injury/fatal accidents, that the investigator must get to know the vehicle(s) involved.
- Determine if the involved auto a specialty vehicle (Monster truck, low-rider, sidecar...)
- Does any of the vehicle's critical function equipment appear modified, enhanced or otherwise changed, post-market?
- What is the vehicle sale, warranty, maintenance and modification history?
And, very importantly, a good investigation should include a comprehensive media search for that particular vehicle modification; including safety reports, product defect complaints, accident involvements...
Good starting media research destinations are:
- Carfax (www.carfax.com)
- DMV (www.dmv.org)
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.dot.gov)
Be safe.
While generally encouraged, this individualism can result in serious or fatal injury to oneself and others in the aftermarket vehicle modifications market. Drivers may make after-market adaptations to their cars, without regard for the laws or vehicle safety regulations and, all too often, lack the knowledge or anticipation of the consequences of these enhancements. Sometimes the modifications will diminish the safety of their vehicle, will impede their ability to properly observe the roadway, or will increase the danger to others as a result of collision. Excessively bright headlights or foglights, for example, can blind oncoming drivers. Where after-market modifications are performed by a company, that company may also face liability if the modifications contribute to an accident or injury. It can not be stressed enough: during the investigation and reconstruction phases of serious injury/fatal accidents, that the investigator must get to know the vehicle(s) involved.
- Determine if the involved auto a specialty vehicle (Monster truck, low-rider, sidecar...)
- Does any of the vehicle's critical function equipment appear modified, enhanced or otherwise changed, post-market?
- What is the vehicle sale, warranty, maintenance and modification history?
And, very importantly, a good investigation should include a comprehensive media search for that particular vehicle modification; including safety reports, product defect complaints, accident involvements...
Good starting media research destinations are:
- Carfax (www.carfax.com)
- DMV (www.dmv.org)
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.dot.gov)
Be safe.
