Every year, millions of vehicles are recalled due to safety defects—brake failures, airbag malfunctions, and other issues that put drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk. As of January 2025, Nebraska has nearly 400,000 registered vehicles with open safety recalls, about 20% of the total registered vehicles! Vehicle Safety Recalls Week (March 4-10, 2024) is the perfect time to check if your vehicle has an open recall, but it’s not too late if you’re just hearing this.
Fortunately, checking for recalls is quick, free, and easy. Visit CheckToProtect.org, an NSC program where you can enter your VIN or license plate number—or even take a photo—and instantly see if your car has an open recall. If it does, the site will show you the nearest dealership where you can get it fixed for free.
Tie It to the Time Change
A great habit is to check for recalls when you change your clocks for daylight saving time. This year, we spring forward on March 10, shifting to more evening daylight but darker mornings. This change can impact visibility on your commute, increasing the risk of crashes due to glare, fatigue, or changing traffic patterns.
Many states, including ours, are considering legislation to end the time change and stick to either permanent daylight saving time or standard time. Until a decision is made, it’s important to stay alert and adjust your driving and walking habits for the changing light conditions.
This Vehicle Safety Recalls Week, take a few minutes to check for recalls—it could save a life.