NHTSA Drops Proposed Power Windows Safety Rule
For proof as to how challenging it is to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of vehicle safety regulations, I have an embarrassing admission to make: I thought “pinch protection” was already legally required on cars. Shame on me. This feature, which is also known as “auto reverse,” makes a closing power window reverse its direction when it detects something in its path. It’s a lot like the protections on power garage doors.
The reason NHTSA is pulling back on this topic has less to do with the importance of the issue and more to do with the specifics on how this proposal was worded. KidsandCars.org will continue to work toward such a regulation.
In the meantime, never leave your child unattended in or around a vehicle. Also, never let them stick any body part outside the car window at any time. It’s just too easy for them — or someone in the front row — to accidentally close a power window while sticking their head out to greet their school buddies in the morning carpool lane. I hope I don’t need to spell out how that story ends.
