Stroller Recall: 223,000 Peg Perego Strollers Have Strangulation Risk
Peg Perego has issued a stroller recall because of a risk of entrapment and strangulation, especially in children under one year old. The company has recalled two models of its strollers, Venezia and Pliko-P3. The models were sold by retailers between 2004 and 2010.
In total, the recall encompasses 223,000 strollers.
The recall only affects models with a child tray and single cup holder. Strollers with a bumper in front of the child or a tray with two cup holders are not involved.
Sometimes recalls occur as a preventative measure before anyone is hurt, but sadly that is not true in this case.
A six-month-old in Tarzana, California died from strangulation in 2004 when his head got stuck between the seat and the tray in his Peg Perego stroller, reports Associated Press. A seven-month-old was almost strangled in 2006.
The strollers would violate industry standards today but they were produced before those standards were introduced, according to the company.
Currently, stroller-manufacturers have voluntary standards that require larger openings between the stroller tray and seat bottom to prevent these kinds of incidents.
The recall appears to be voluntary and consumers can contact the company for free repair kits to make the stroller safe.
It's not clear yet why there was a delay between the death of the infant in 2004 and the recall which was announced Tuesday.
Manufacturers are expected to institute recalls once they know that products pose a significant danger to consumers. A death caused by a product is evidence that it's unsafe but the company must know of the event before it is required to recall the product.
If you own a Peg Perego stroller, check out the model numbers involved in the recall to ensure that your child is safe in the stroller. Peg Perego recommends not using affected strollers until they have been repaired.
Related Resources:
- Product Liability FAQ (FindLaw)
- Your Right to Recall Remedies (FindLaw)
- Maclaren Stroller Recall: Children's Fingers Can Get Caught (FindLaw's Common Law)