Rollaway & Keys in the Car
Spot it
A push-button-start car you shut off without shifting into Park; a car left running or with keys inside while you unload; a child who can climb into the driver's seat; a habit of skipping the parking brake.
Fix it
NHTSA: always make sure the vehicle is securely in Park before you shut it off and get out, set the emergency brake every time you park, keep the vehicle locked when unattended, and never leave keys in the car. Vehicles made for sale after September 1, 2010 with an automatic transmission must have a brake-transmission shift interlock, which requires the brake to be pressed before shifting out of Park, but NHTSA says rollaway can still happen with keyless ignition when the car is turned off without being put in Park. Check your owner's manual to see what your vehicle has. NHTSA also says never leave children alone in or around a vehicle for any reason.
Safer swaps
What actually fixes this — the category to look for, not a brand we were paid to name.
Shift to Park, set the parking brake, take the key or fob with you, every timeHabit
Free; NHTSA's list, and the parking brake matters most with push-button start
Never leave kids alone in or near the car while you unload or run inHabit
Free; NHTSA says never, for any reason
No shopping list for this hazard — the fix is a habit, not a purchase.
Related checks
- Driveway Backovers & Front-Overs — The Yard zone covers children behind or in front of a moving car.