A family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit following the death of 47-year-old Quma Martinez Carrillo. In June 2024, Carrillo was on the road in her Honda Accord when something unsuspected happened. A 2021 Dodge Challenger (which was on a test drive) raced toward her, exceeding 120 mph, in a 45 mph limit zone. In a tragic turn of events, the two vehicles collided, ejecting Carrillo from her car. She died at the scene. Now, the family is suing the dealership, the salesperson, and the driver. This incident has raised some concerns about safety protocols surrounding test drives and disabling safety features. Here’s everything there is to know about the accident and what’s happening.
Raising Questions About Test Drive Safety
Allegations of Negligence: Disabling Safety Features
The Charger was being test-driven by Benjamin Kyle Meece, accompanied by salesperson Kenneth Salas from Lithia CJDR/All American Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Odessa. In the lawsuit, Carrillo’s family alleges that critical safety features of the Dodge Challenger were disabled during the test drive. Specifically, the lawsuit points to the deactivation of automatic emergency braking and other driver-assist technologies that could have mitigated the severity of the crash.
Furthermore, it was discovered that salesperson Kenneth Salas had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.13% at the time of the incident, well above the legal limit. The combination of excessive speed, impaired judgment, and disabled safety systems created a perfect storm leading to the fatal outcome.
The Broader Implications: Industry-Wide Concerns
This tragic event is not isolated; it highlights a broader issue within the automotive industry regarding the disabling of safety features during test drives. In the pursuit of showcasing vehicle performance, some dealerships may compromise on safety by deactivating certain systems. Such practices not only endanger the lives of those involved in the test drive but also pose significant risks to other road users. The lawsuit against Lithia CJDR serves as a wake-up call for the industry to reevaluate and reinforce safety protocols.
Legal and Ethical Responsibilities of Dealerships
Dealerships have a legal and ethical obligation to prioritize the safety of their customers and the general public. This includes conducting thorough checks to ensure all safety features are functional and that sales personnel are fit to accompany test drives. The presence of an impaired salesperson, as alleged in this case, represents a severe breach of duty. Moreover, allowing a test drive to proceed at dangerously high speeds without intervention reflects a disregard for safety protocols.
The Path Forward: Enhancing Test Drive Safety
In light of this incident, it’s imperative for the automotive industry to take proactive measures to enhance test drive safety. This includes mandating the activation of all safety features during test drives, conducting regular training for sales staff on safety protocols, and instituting strict policies against impaired driving.
Additionally, incorporating technology that monitors and limits vehicle speed during test drives could serve as a preventive measure. By taking these steps, dealerships can demonstrate their commitment to customer safety and rebuild trust with the public.
Reflecting on Responsibility and Safety
At the end of the day, the fatal test drive incident in Odessa is a reminder to everyone on the road. You have to pay attention, and failure to adhere to safety protocols could very well cost you your life (or someone else’s). As cars continue to evolve and technology advances, the commitment to being safe behind the wheel is critical. Dealerships, sales personnel, brands, and drivers all share the responsibility of safeguarding lives, especially when it’s during a test drive.
What are your thoughts on disabling safety features during test drives? Should there be stricter regulations to prevent such practices? Share your opinions in the comments below.
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The post This Car Brand Was Sued for Disabling Safety Features During Test Drives appeared first on Clever Dude Personal Finance & Money.
