Driver nearly crashes when her car suddenly shut down on a busy interstate because auto lender hit remote kill switch when she missed a payment

CHARLENE ADAMS dailymail.co.uk

T. Candice Smith, 31, and her friend were driving down a three-lane Las Vegas interstate in 2012 when her steering wheel began to lock up. The car's engine stopped and Smith's friend had to push the car to the side of the highway to avoid being hit.

Smith told the New York Times that the car's shutdown wasn't due to a mechanical failure -- it was her auto lender.

Smith's story is similar to that of many people who have borrowed from auto lenders that utilize what are called 'Starter Interrupt Devices.'

These devices enable auto lenders to prevent a borrower's car from starting with the push of a button, according to the Times.

If a borrower misses an auto payment, lenders may activate a device installed in the car in an attempt to 'remind' the borrower to make the payment.

The device emits flashing lights, loud beeping noises and may even prevent the car from starting.