Potential Secrets About Rental Vehicles' Safety That May Surprise You

Potential Safety Concerns in Your Hired Vehicles May Be Overlooked

In a recent incident, Josie Daigle, a traveller, encountered a sudden tire blowout while driving a rental car from a national chain in Boston. The tow driver was surprised by the car's tire condition, which Daigle found surprising as well, considering the car seemed safe before driving off.

This incident highlights the importance of car rental companies ensuring regular safety checks and maintenance. Kristan De Graaf, owner of the exotic car rental company Elite Rentals Dubai, emphasizes this point, stating that rental companies have a responsibility to maintain their vehicles at a high standard.

Car rental companies are becoming more careful about renting potentially unsafe vehicles, according to Azari Jones, the rental car practice lead at J.D. Power. This is a positive step towards ensuring the safety of travellers on the road.

Enterprise Mobility, a major car rental company, has a Standard of Care, a set of best practices to ensure its vehicles are maintained at a high standard. The company's car rental brands (Enterprise, National, and Alamo) follow or exceed manufacturer guidelines for tire replacement and oil changes and give every rental vehicle a visual inspection after a return.

However, car rental companies in the U.S. do not release safety information on a national level. This means that travellers must take matters into their own hands regarding car rental safety.

Shawn Miller, founder of the car site Modified Rides, suggests a careful visual inspection of the car for obvious issues like worn tires, dashboard warning lights, and brakes that don't feel right. Additionally, Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas at World Travel Protection, advises asking for proof of the last service if no mechanical inspection and maintenance sticker is visible.

Raymond Yorke, a spokesman for Redpoint Travel Protection, emphasizes rental car safety as a top priority for travellers. He advises that if a rental car feels unsafe, travellers should speak up immediately and ask for a replacement vehicle or help with arrangements.

In the United States, companies in the automotive mobility sector, particularly those involved in autonomous trucking, are subject to proactive and transparent safety regulations. This is illustrated by California’s Assembly Bill 316 passed in September 2023, which mandates the presence of a trained human safety operator in self-driving heavy vehicles on public roads.

Josie Daigle's experience serves as a reminder that even if the car rental industry promises safety, it is crucial never to take safety for granted when renting a car. Driving a car with bald tires or bad brakes in rain or snow during the fall travel season could lead to a serious accident.

Therefore, travellers are advised to rent from mobility companies that prioritize safety and inspect cars before driving them off the lot. If a rental car feels unsafe, it is important to speak up and seek a replacement or assistance. Safety should always be a top priority on the road.