Farmers urged to check cars

Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive, Tony Weber, pictured above, says thousands of older vehicles on Australian farms could be affected by the Takata airbag recall.

“Many of these vehicles will be used by farmers and their families travelling long distances every day,” says Weber. “Others may be older farm vehicles that are only be used from time to time.”

A wide range of passenger cars, light trucks and vans from 24 popular brands are affected by the recall. There are currently 734,000 vehicles still requiring faulty airbags to be replaced.

“We acknowledge that recalls can be very inconvenient for the farming community given the distances and time taken with trips to town,” says Weber. “But we need to be frank. A faulty airbag can seriously injure and even kill.”

Globally, there have been 26 reported deaths and more than 300 reported injuries attributed to the faulty airbags.

“A faulty airbag can pose a serious danger to vehicle passengers as well as drivers. This includes children regardless of whether they are sitting in the front or the back of a vehicle."

“We have a very simple message for the farming community. Check your car, check your ute, check your four-wheel-drive, check your van. Ask your neighbours and friends if they have checked. No vehicle is too old for checking and all necessary rectification work is free.”

“The farming community can help us to help them by alerting car manufacturers to where many of the older vehicles involved are located. It’s a simple process – just go to the website and enter your vehicle’s registration and state or territory. You can also check by texting TAKATA to 0487 AIRBAG (247 224),” Weber says.