RE “2 car deaths tied to carbon monoxide” (Metro, Feb. 10): The deaths in Boston of a man and a boy who were keeping warm in their cars and were overcome by carbon monoxide because of snow plugging the exhaust pipe were not only tragic; they were also unnecessary. They could have been prevented if all automobiles were equipped with carbon monoxide detectors.
As we know from the experience in our homes, these monitors are inexpensive, sensitive, and reliable. The Consumer Product Safety Commission should require automobile manufacturers to install in all cars carbon monoxide monitors connected to a warning buzzer that shuts the engine off if the operator doesn’t respond within 15 seconds.
Comments
People need help in everything, most just go though the world on the cell phone, texting and watching reality TV, pretty sad. I'm a 58 year oldwoman and knew enought to make sure the tailpipe was clear before starting my car. what we lack is common sense, took a vacation a long time ago and has yet to return.
Really?? We need to pay for yet another electronic device on our cars? How about we all learn and apply this simply safety rule: Before getting into the car, look down - if you can see the exhaust tip, it's safe to sit in the car with the engine running; if you can't see the exhaust, then clear it before getting into the car.
How about just going in the house when it is time to warm up?
But, never let it be said I was not for safety! Let's do this, AND.....
A device that does not allow cell phones to be operated inside a car.
Steering wheels that require at least one hand on the wheel or the radio makes noise like nails on a chalkboard.
Mirrors that cannot be adjusted to allow the application of makeup.
Seats that cannot be tilted so far back that the driver cannot see over the wheel (so he looks cool).
AND, the ULTIMATE: A sensor that detects alchohol and if any is detected, a breathalyzer must be performed before operation.