With the recent recalls, there has been a lot of discussion about mats. These understated accessories for every car on the planet have rarely been the focus of intense discussion. In fact, most of the time the only way a rug gets mentioned is if it’s dirty or if it’s particularly fun/interesting.
But, since the large number of accidents and even fatalities, the spotlight has rightfully been focused on these potential hazards.
Why is a mat dangerous?
The danger of mats does not come from anything mechanical, but rather from their ability to stay in place. If a mat were to slide forward when a driver is actively using the gas and brake pedals, it could cause an unwanted increase or decrease in speed.
Some cases of floor mat disruption involve the brakes. If a mat bunches up under a brake, it could hinder the driver’s ability to apply the pedal. When braking, a person only has a small window to react correctly and this type of distraction has been known to delay reaction long enough to cause accidents.
The other major way mats can be dangerous is that they cause a sticky throttle effect. Sometimes the mat flips over the pedal, other times its grippy nature causes the pedal to stay pressed. In both scenarios, the driver does not get the reduction in acceleration when he releases the pedal, which can cause distractions and problems when trying to brake in time.
What types of carpets are dangerous?
The most dangerous floor mats are aftermarket models that do not fit the mold of your vehicle properly. It is the driver’s responsibility when purchasing an aftermarket mat to ensure that it fits and ideally works well with whatever hooks or stabilizers your car has.
Carpets that are explicitly removed from companies are also dangerous. These are rugs that don’t work well with the security measures in place, or just don’t have enough security measures to begin with.
Is there a solution to carpet problems?
If you are concerned about the safety of the mat, the first and best thing to do is simply remove the mat. The floor of your car can get dirty, but it’s much better than getting in a crash.
Continue to err on the security side until you can find a model that securely secures to your vehicle and ideally has retaining clips to keep it in place.
