The rapid evolution of technology has revolutionized the automotive industry, enhancing both convenience and safety features in modern vehicles. However, an imminent threat looms over the automotive landscape: What happens when those safety features expire?
This is the reality that many automobile owners faced when they were informed that the 3G telemetry in their vehicles would stop working in early 2022, as older 3G networks were being phased out in favor of newer technology. Overnight, millions of Americans lost access to automatic crash detection, on-board emergency assistance, built-in GPS, and other vital safety features.
To say that this shift in technology put a burden on consumers would be an understatement, as there was no “one size fits all” solution for automobile owners. Some automobile manufacturers allowed existing owners to upgrade their now useless 3G systems, while many were told the cost for replacing the telemetry would be their own responsibility. Some owners were notified about the shutdown by their dealerships or manufacturer, while others were given no notice at all.
The automobile 3G network had served as the backbone of various safety-related features in vehicles, enabling critical communication between cars, infrastructure, and emergency services. This network facilitated essential functions such as emergency roadside assistance, real-time traffic updates, remote diagnostics, and vehicle tracking. Furthermore, it provided the necessary connectivity for advanced safety systems like automatic crash notifications, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warnings. The seamless and timely transmission of data over the 3G network had been instrumental in reducing accidents, mitigating risks, and saving lives on the road.
The sudden absence of these safety features could have far-reaching consequences for road safety, and damage consumer trust in new and emerging technology features.
The shutdown of the 3G network highlights just how essential technology is to our lives and raises legitimate concerns about the loss of vital safety features in vehicles. The impact on emergency services, real-time updates, and preventive maintenance cannot be underestimated. Prompt action is necessary to ensure a seamless transition to alternative networks is possible in the future, to preserve the safety advancements that technology has brought to our roads.
WBE and co-counsel are investigating claims that several makes and models of automobiles have had vital safety features removed due to the phasing out of cellular 3G networks. For more information on this case, click here.
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