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"As we begin 2015, we would like to let drivers know about some new Florida license testing requirements and remind vehicle owners to be sure to respond to vehicle recalls as quickly as possible," says Fort Myers Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

General Motors Recalls

Despite reminders, a significant number of vehicle owners fail to follow up on important safety recalls. As an example, take the ignition switch recall. In the United States recalls were issued for 1.96 million vehicles believed to still be on the road with faulty ignition switches. As of November 20, 2014, only 55.7 percent of the owners, according to a report issued by General Motors, have had the repair done. This, on a national basis, leaves 833,633 vehicles as of the November 20 date yet to be repaired. USA Today on Sunday, November 30, 2014, reported that General Motors has had to find creative ways to reach owners and encourage them to have their vehicles repaired. One of the factors which continues to be a problem with all recalls requiring replacement parts, is the length of time required to build the necessary inventory at the automotive dealers to make the required modifications. The USA Today reporter, Chris Woodyard, speculates that the original press coverage on this recall drove a lot of vehicle owners to call the automotive dealers. When they did call, they found out that there could be a three, or more, month delay because of the unavailable replacement parts. According to General Motors' Independent Compensation Administrator, Kenneth Fineberg, points out that the potential danger of driving a vehicle which has not been repaired becomes more apparent by the week. General Motors had originally estimated only 13 deaths were related to the ignition switch problem, but by the end of November 2014, Mr. Fineberg says that the death total was 35 and continues to grow.

General Motors now has all of the needed replacement parts for the recall. Yet, despite sending owners letters and emails, some vehicle owners are not responding. General Motors is now trying to reach owners through Facebook and other social media platforms as well as on-line games such as those made by Roku. They are also providing, in selected geographic areas, $25 gift cards for owners who bring recalled vehicles to the dealerships for repair. As the Executive Director of the Center for Auto Safety, Clarence Ditlow has said, "It is a lot cheaper and better for General Motors to give $25 to a million consumers to get a recall done, than to pay a $25 million judgment on a recalled vehicle that killed someone because it was not fixed." 

"If you, or someone you know, has a vehicle that has been recalled for a safety issue, do not delay in making an appointment to have your vehicle repaired. The quicker you respond to a recall notice, the sooner you will be able to get an appointment. If you call a dealer which does not have the replacement parts available, call another dealer," says Attorney Spivey.

Florida Motorist Examinations

As of Monday, January 5, 2015, Florida motorists required to take the Class E (learner's permit/restricted license) or CDL (commercial driver's license) knowledge exam will no longer have unlimited time to complete the written examination. The examination has changed from an unlimited-time exam to a timed exam of 60 minutes to complete the 50 multiple-choice questions. According to officials with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), this change, in part, is the result of the recognition that drivers need to make fast and safe decisions when they are on the road and that doing so requires knowing the law and using appropriate judgment.  Those required to take the written exam, such as drivers from other states applying for a Florida license, will find the Florida Driver's Handbook, the Florida CDL Handbook or the Florida Motorcycle Handbook on the FLHSMV website.

Southwest Florida Defective Products Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.