Driving is something people do on a regular basis throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Whether it be to get to work, to take a child to school or to get to a social event, it is fair to say that a car is a necessity for many. While perhaps not the first thing on one's mind while driving, most would agree that the roads are dangerous enough without having to worry about a major equipment failure because the product is defective.

Last month we wrote a post about fires that broke out in several Chevy Volts after the vehicles were involved in crash tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. One fire took place seven days after the crash. Another, three weeks after the test. The third took place sometime in between those two times. Though still working to determine what caused three Chevy Volts to catch on fire, General Motors has offered to buy back the cars from anyone who has purchased one.

The company's CEO indicated this offer is not because the cars are unsafe. Instead, it is being extended to purchasers in an effort to keep GM's customers happy. Though a recall has not been issued he said the company will do so if necessary. Thus far, no fires have occurred in "real world" accidents.

Currently, immediately following an accident, the OnStar system onboard each Volt sends a message about the collision. Within 48 hours a team is sent out to drain the battery.

In addition to the buy-back offer, the company has also offered to provide a different GM car as a loaner to Volt owners while the matter is being investigated. The response so far has been small. Only two people have decided to use a loaner car.

Source: Time, "GM Willing to Buy Back Chevy Volts," Tom Krisher, Dec. 1, 2011