The Department of Transportation and Public Works is cautioning Island consumers to be aware of the possible health and safety risks that may arise from the purchase of flood damaged vehicles.
Following the 2005 hurricane season, nearly 600,000 new and used vehicles on dealer lots in the Gulf Coast region of the United States were damaged, particularly as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Flood damaged vehicles can present long-term mechanical and safety issues. Issues with engine and brake systems, non-deployment of air bags, lighting systems and other power accessories are not uncommon.
Many flood damaged vehicles were also exposed to flood waters for extended periods which in some cases contained numerous toxic pollutants and biohazards like E-coli. This can increase the potential for a flood damaged vehicle to later develop mould damage and pose other long-term environmental health issues to the operator of the vehicle.
“Given the cross border nature of vehicle sales within North America, an unsuspecting consumer or vehicle dealer could end up with a flood damaged vehicle without even knowing,” cautioned Transportation and Public Works Minister Gail Shea. “Challenges like these make it important for consumers and vehicle dealers to be sure that they know the history of a vehicle before buying it.”
On Prince Edward Island, vehicles which have experienced flood damage are considered as ‘non-repairable’ or as a ‘flood vehicle’ due to the mechanical safety and the related environmental health issues. Such vehicles are considered to be used for parts only and are not allowed to be registered for highway use.
Vehicle histories can be checked through www.carfax.com, www.carproof.com or www.autofacts.ca. All vehicles imported into Canada must first go through the Registrar of Imported Motor Vehicles. Anyone looking to import a vehicle must first contact the Registrar of Imported Motor Vehicles at www.riv.ca or 1-888-848-8240 to ensure that prospective purchases meet all Canadian entry requirements.