Car Windows that kill- The unseen dangers of automatic power windows
How safe are your car windows?
Most people are aware of the potential hazards of backing over children, improperly used carseats or the dangers of leaving children in hot cars, but most people are completely surprised when they hear about the risk of power windows suffocating a child.
Take note of your surroundings:Fennell says many of these deaths occur while in the parent is in the car with their child, who may absently roll up the backseat window without making sure their child's hand or head isn't leaning against it.
Have control of the windows: Most cars come equipped with a "lock out" switch, which allows the driver -- and only the driver -- to operate all windows in the car.
Never leave kids alone in the car: Most of these tragedies occur when a grown-up has to run inside a store or pay the parking meter. It may be seem harmless, but by leaving the car running, you run a huge risk.
Read more: http://www.momlogic.com/2008/09/die_car_window.php#ixzz0ysuUEIwD
NHTSA Prevention Tips:
- Never leave your children alone in a vehicle for any reason.
- Teach your children not to play with window switches.
- Teach your children not to stand on passenger door arm rests.
- Properly restrain your children in car seats or seat belts to prevent them from accidentally activating power windows.
- Look and make sure your kids hands, feet, and head, are clear of windows before raising the windows.
- Never leave the key in the ignition or in the "on" or "accessory" position when you walk away from your car.
- If available, activate the power window lock switch so that your children cannot play with the windows.
What you need to know, now:
All new vehicles will have "pull to close" switches, which, as their name indicates, require you to pull up on them to close the window. Older vehicles may have window switches that a child can accidentally step or put weight on, easily causing a window to close.
Some vehicles have power windows that automatically reverse when an object (such as your child's arm or neck) is in the path of a closing window. Check both the individual vehicle rating pages on www.safercar.gov and your owner's manual to see if a vehicle is equipped with this safety technology. If not you can information on fitting your car for the technology here: Check the availability of Auto Reverse Systems (ARS) on 2010 Model Year vehicles.
Links & Resources:
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| Provided By Kids & Cars - Backed Over by Vehicle(Backovers) |
| Hit By Vehicle Moving Forward (Frontovers) |
| Car Theft With Child In Vehicle |
| Children Left in Vehicle (Heat Stroke Or Hyperthermia) |
| Incidents Involving Power Windows |
| Vehicle Set in Motion by a Child |
| Underage Drivers |
Teach Your Kids about Car Safety with these Fun Resouces cloring books, online games and more.
What about you? Do you ever leave your child unattended in a car, even for a few minutes? Or is there no excuse good enough to leave kids alone in a car?
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