NJ Cops March2018 | Page 68

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 68 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ MARCH 2018