Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov

*** For Immediate Release***

Date: December 17, 2010
Contact: Julie Startup
Phone: (425) 766-0812
E-mail: Julie.Startup@wsp.wa.gov

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Joint Agency Emphasis Uncovers Dangerous Vehicles Back on the Road

Driver knowingly places several at risk while driving with the hood blocking his view in the widely used pedestrian area of East Marginal Way in a clearly unsafe vehicle already deemed to be an insurance total loss from a prior collision.

On December 10th Seattle Police and the Washington State Patrol worked together on an emphasis for illegal hulk hauling and unsafe insurance total loss vehicles. During the emphasis a Chevrolet Venture minivan was observed traveling down the roadway with its hood up, blocking the driver’s view of the road as it traveled over two crosswalks.  When stopped the driver, a 40 year old Seattle man, stated he was “risking” the drive to the auto shop after purchasing the van at the salvage auction.  A defective hood latch was not the only equipment violation on the van.  

This is just one example of the many vehicles with serious defective equipment being sold to the public at salvage vehicle auctions.  The vehicles can be legally repaired and inspected for relicensing.  In some instances parts from other vehicles are used to make the vehicle look “new” but without a complete inspection a buyer might never know the vehicle they plan to buy was involved in a collision.

Not every vehicle that is damaged in a collision is deemed a “total loss” which means prior damage might not be recorded on the vehicle title.   Vehicles that have been listed a total loss must have all damaged major component parts replaced or repaired before inspection of the salvage vehicle by the Washington State Patrol.

If you are shopping for a used vehicle the Washington State Patrol recommends that you have the vehicle inspected for safety by a certified mechanic or dealership before making a purchase to see if there is any evidence of collision damage.  For more information on Vehicle Identification Number inspection and the requirements for rebuilt vehicles see the Washington State Patrol website link: http://www.wsp.wa.gov/traveler/vinspect.htm

During the emphasis troopers observed over 50 violations which included stops for hulk hauling and several types of vehicle equipment violations.

 

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