Power Windows & Sunroofs
Spot it
A child standing on the door armrest or kneeling by the window switch; a child in the back seat with a free hand and no buckle; a car left running or with the key in 'on' or 'accessory' while you step out; an older car whose window switches a child could step or lean on.
Fix it
NHTSA says many children are hurt when a window closes on a finger, wrist or hand, and some have been strangled by power windows. Use the driver's window-lock switch so passengers can't operate the windows. Look and make sure your child's hands, feet and head are clear before you raise any window or sunroof. Buckle kids in properly so they can't accidentally trigger the switches, teach them not to play with the window switches or stand on door armrests, and never leave the key in the ignition or in the 'on' or 'accessory' position when you walk away. NHTSA notes that model year 2010 and newer vehicles must have 'pull to close' switches, while older ones may have switches a child can press by stepping or leaning. Some vehicles also reverse automatically when something is in the window's path; NHTSA suggests checking the vehicle's rating page on nhtsa.gov and your owner's manual to see whether yours does.
Safer swaps
What actually fixes this — the category to look for, not a brand we were paid to name.
Turn on the window-lock switch whenever a child is aboardHabit
Free; NHTSA's own tip
Say 'hands in' and look before raising any window or sunroofHabit
Free; NHTSA says to make sure hands, feet and head are clear
Take the key or fob with you, even for a momentHabit
Free; NHTSA says never leave the key in 'on' or 'accessory' when you step away
No shopping list for this hazard — the fix is a habit, not a purchase.
Related checks
- Seat Belt Entanglement — Two more ways a child is hurt by a car's own parts.