GM’s ignition switch problems have raised the question of whether push button ignition systems may be safer to use in automobiles than the standard keyed ignition. Key-less ignition systems have been used in luxury cars since the 1990’s, and most of today’s automobile manufacturers offer them as an option in approximately 72% of their vehicles sold today.

While key-less start systems may require people to change long-time driving habits, the benefits of these systems can be numerous:

• They are convenient. Drivers do not have to fumble around for keys and many systems automatically lock and unlock doors for you.
• Ignitions can’t accidentally switch off when bumped or jolted.
• Vehicles become harder to steal.

But, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaint database, shows a growing number of key-less related mishaps, with complaints that included keys getting caught in the ignition, vehicles starting by themselves and vehicles stalling while they are moving. Other problems include:

• More expensive to install, repair, and replace lost or stolen FOB’s.
• There are more parts in the system that can fail.
• Some drivers may be confused by the new technology and in an emergency situation may not be able to deactivate the vehicle quickly.
• It is easier to forget to turn your engine off, which can be dangerous if you park indoors.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are supporting a proposal by the NHTSA to standardized operating procedures to create a consistent user experience. Because key-less technology is a relatively new technology, they are encouraging the NHTSA to conduct human factor research into improving the understanding of safety issues related with key less ignitions. A ruling on the standardization of key less ignitions is expected in 2015.