Writing Assignment for CCM701 - Seneca
The Overland bicycles have caused death and serious injury due to steering malfunctions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PORTLAND: Oct. 16, 2018 – Tubular Steel Inc. is announcing an international recall for The Overland model bicycles due to a handlebar defect in products manufactured in 2015 and later. This technical defect in this best-selling bike has tragically contributed to one fatality. One 14-year-old boy from Harrisburg, P.A. died on October 14, 2018, after his steering mechanism seized. Multiple serious accidents were also reported from late 2016 to early 2018. The technical defect makes handlebars lock suddenly and inexplicably, preventing the rider from steering the bike.
“We have currently stopped production and have prioritized fixing our safety inspection processes instead,” said Ansel Handrich, company founder. “No person should suffer injuries when they instead should be enjoying their ride.”
Tubular Steel is investigating the cause of the defect by thoroughly reevaluating the safety inspection process. The 2018 inspection missed the flaw in the steering mechanism before bikes were shipped. In total, over 100,000 units of The Overland have been delivered to stores across North America from the facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Fifty-thousand more bikes have been built and sold since the beginning of 2018.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased boy. We are working on collecting all potentially affected products to ensure no further losses occur,” said Handrich. The company’s founder has stated there was a wrongful delay in addressing the steering flaws.
The Overland bicycles manufactured before 2015 have passed a rigorous safety inspection. No other safety issues have been reported at this time. It is unconfirmed whether industrial sabotage is involved. Reviewing security footage will, hopefully, clear this assumption.
To report an injury, please visit www.tubularsteel.com/accountability and obtain medical attention as necessary. All recalled bicycles can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.
About Tubular Steel Inc.
Tubular Steel Inc. is a world-class bicycle manufacturing company with three facilities in North America. Founded in 2004 in Portland, Oregon, Tubular Steel specializes in brightly coloured mountain bikes and fat-tire frames. Tubular Steel aims to create opportunities for fun memories through cycling.
Media Contact
Candace Wright
Media Director
Tubular Steel Inc.
c.wright@tubularsteel.com
503-823-4000
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