Teamwork key to staying safe

As many as 300,000 vehicles on New Zealand roads could have either faulty or disconnected airbags that must be replaced.

Already, thousands of airbags have been replaced, as motor companies have worked through the monumental mess surrounding Takata airbag inflators that potentially could shower drivers and passengers with metal pieces if they explode.

The 300,000 figure helps put the scale of this industry recall into perspective — it is extensive, with millions of vehicles involved globally.

Distributors have been replacing the faulty components as fast as batches of components arrive in New Zealand.

Even so it is understandable that some owners are getting impatient WIN WITH DRIVEN Win tickets to the ITM Auckland SuperSprint meeting at Pukekohe Raceway, on November 4- 6. TONY VERDON about the time it is taking to replace the faulty parts. However other owners of affected vehicles have ignored repeated messages from car companies alerting them to the problem.

Perhaps the publicity this week will convince them to take up the offer to have the parts replaced.

The industry has been doing its best to reach as many owners as possible, but they cannot coerce owners to take them to dealers.

It’s an inconvenience for everyone involved, but the situation requires co- operation if the vehicles are to be safe on the roads.

Enter for a chance to see the V8s race by simply clicking the Win button at Driven. co. nz ABOUT US Editor Tony Verdon Editor at Large Liz Dobson Contributors Matthew Hansen, Bob McMurray, Cameron Officer, Jacqui Madelin, Donna McIntyre Cover design Jennifer Adams Advertising Todd Fuller 021 986027 todd. fuller@ nzme. co. nz Cover photo Ted Baghurst