2018 NJSPBA
Mini-Convention
Feature
Exploring the Ford
Explorer issue
As if law enforcement isn’t exposed to enough threats, CBS
Producer Megan Towey and her correspondent, Kris Van Cleave,
presented an alert to members about a silent killer that could
be present in response vehicles.
The relevance of their research on carbon monoxide dangers
in Ford Explorers became visible when Towey asked members
to raise their hands if they currently own or drive the particular
car model, and more than a few hands went up.
“Ford will tell you that the Ford Explorer is safe,” Van Cleave
attested. “But there’s multiple examples of injuries and evi-
dence to prove otherwise.”
For two years, Towey and Van Cleave have investigated a
manufacturer’s defect present in 2011-2017 Ford Explorers that
has caused drivers to pass out behind the wheel and continues
to pose a threat to drivers. The reporters explained the research
and requests made to Ford and the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) to call attention to the prob-
lem, but Ford continues to shield the issue.
“What has kept us on this story is the inconsistency of infor-
mation,” Towey shared. “We’re not getting completely transpar-
ent information from the regulator that’s supposed to be look-
ing out for our safety on the roads, or the auto maker who, of
course, has a vested interest in the story going away.”
Instead of addressing the problem that has caused many
cases of carbon monoxide poisoning and prompted two recalls
from the Center for Auto Safety, Ford has opted to offer option-
al, voluntary repairs at Ford servicing centers.
The threat of carbon monoxide poisoning is a danger to many
agencies that have Ford Explorers in their fleet. Officers are at
even greater risk, since the problem is most likely to occur in
vehicles that run with the air conditioning on for long periods
or accelerate quickly on the roads.
Following the presentation, Howell Township Local 228 State
Delegate Ryan Hurley stood to share his Local’s experience with
the problem that was causing officers to experience headaches.
“I encourage all of you to pursue this issue with your local
Ford dealerships and administration,” Hurley reinforced. d
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NEW JERSEY COPS
■ MARCH 2018