WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Safety Council encourages drivers to check their vehicle’s recall status during the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Recalls Week March 2-8. The nationwide effort helps protect drivers and passengers from preventable safety issues.

Over 54 million vehicles — 1 in 5 on American roads today — have unrepaired safety recalls. These recalls involve critical safety systems such as airbags, steering and brakes. The NSC Check to Protect campaign makes it easy for drivers to see if their vehicle has an open recall and take action. Safety experts recommend checking for recalls during routine service visits or at least once every few months, since new recalls can be issued at any time.

“Safety remains a critical priority for everyone on our roads. With millions of vehicles operating daily that still have unrepaired safety recalls, it is essential for drivers to ensure their vehicles are safe,” said Lonny Haschel, senior program manager with the Mobility Safety Impact Program at NSC. “NSC urges all drivers to check for open recalls and take advantage of free repairs as soon as possible. When safety recalls are addressed, every roadway user benefits.”

Drivers can check their vehicle’s recall status by visiting ChecktoProtect.org and entering a license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or uploading a photo of either. All vehicle safety recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealers, no matter where the vehicle was purchased. Information entered is used only to identify open recalls.

For more information on safety recalls, visit the NSC Check to Protect campaign.