A 2007 study by the NHSTA revealed that on average, approximately 2,000 people are injured or killed by power windows each year. The vast majority of injuries occur to children younger than 3.
It’s hard to imagine that something that seems so insignificant could permanently injure someone or even kill a child. Power windows actually exert an excessive amount of force, some 30-80 pounds and studies have shown that it only takes 22 pounds of pressure to suffocate a child.
But kill small children is exactly what these windows have done. There are multiple reports on the internet of children being killed or seriously injured by these windows. Because of the way the windows are operated, children can easily put down the window themselves. But the real tragedies occur when children stick their heads out of the window to wave at family or friends. Because children are small, they usually prop their knees on the arm rest and inadvertently press the button causing the window to go up. The unsuspecting child has no idea that 80 pounds of force is about to be put on their necks and block oxygen from getting to their brains. The children, nor their parents have any idea that this is even a possibility.
But the car makers do. Car Safety Advocate, Ralph Nader began warning the auto industry back in 1968. But even with these warnings, auto manufacturers did not change the design and kids have died.
The NHSTA did an investigation in 2009 to determine if they should require ARS (Automatic Reversing Systems) be installed on all vehicles sold in the U.S. ARS systems stop the window from rising if there is an obstruction and causes it to go back down, much like an elevator door that closes on someone’s suitcase. Despite the known risk factors, the NHSTA decided not to require US automakers to use ARS technology on its vehicles. In Europe, 8 of 10 new cars sold have the technology. To make matters worse, installing ARS on new cars would cost approximately $6 per car, according to a report published by the safety organization, Kidsandcars.org. Instead, the NHSTA recommended that automakers redesign the power window buttons. In most vehicles, the operator would push the button down to operate the window, after the reported deaths, the new design required that the operator pull the switch up.
The NHSTA recommends that no children be left unattended in any car with the engine running. But as we know, keys left in the ignition in the “On” position still leave children at risk for severe injury from power windows. Often in the U.S., parents are blamed for tragic accidents involving unforeseen risks. Car manufacturers, pediatricians, and NHSTA should do a better job of warning parents about the dangers of power windows.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed by a dangerous product, call The Thomson Law Firm to talk to a lawyer about your case. (540) 777-4900
