There is something to be said for a good car floor mat. It helps protect your carpets and is easy to take out and clean.
When these are the proprietary, original mats, they may clip into place or fit into a cut-out made just for them. They rarely move out of position, so they’re nothing to worry about in most cases.
Trouble is more likely when you purchase an aftermarket part or when there is a design flaw with what came with your vehicle. In those cases, the mats may get stuck under the accelerator or brake, or they might get in the way of you driving safely. The mats may end up causing a car crash as a result.
Floor mats may be an unexpected danger in your vehicle
Many people don’t consider their floor mats particularly dangerous, but if they slip upward and get stuck under the accelerator or brake, you may find that you lack the control you should have behind the wheel. Depending on how the mat has moved, it’s possible for it to make it so that you can’t brake or accelerate, essentially limiting your ability to control your vehicle.
Even if the mat itself doesn’t negatively impact your ability to drive, the distraction of knowing that you need to move it while you’re in the process of driving could lead to a crash.
How can you minimize the risk of crashing due to issues with your floor mats?
There are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of crashing because of your floor mats. The first is to try to only use original parts in your vehicle. Look up the specific floor mats that should come with your vehicle, since those may snap into place (especially on the driver’s side).
If you can’t do that, only buy mats that are made for your vehicle’s make and model. Check for any recalls online before you purchase them.
Poorly fitted mats can become problematic very quickly. If you crash because of them, you may be able to pursue a claim against the manufacturer for creating a dangerous product.
