Calls On Congress To Mandate Auto-Reverse Windows

WASHINGTON — Many people consider the power windows in their car a luxury, but a child safety group says they need to be modified, or else run the risk of becoming death traps.

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In Washington, D.C., Monday, KidsAndCars.org released a new survey that shows more than 13 million Americans have injured someone they know by closing a car door. In addition, more than 22 million adults admit they’ve been personally injured by a car window or know someone who has been.

The Risks Of Power Windows

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), power windows cause only 1,943 injuries and six deaths per year. Kids and Cars believes their new findings show this is a bigger problem than the government’s willing to admit. They now want Congress to mandate all cars be equipped with automatic reversing windows.

Witness Auto-Reverse Technology

The technology would work much like a garage door does. A sensor will detect an arm, head or any other object, then immediately stop and reverse the window before it closes. KidsAndCars.org is working with Congress to pass legislation before it’s too late.

“It’s not just a couple little Band-Aids here and there,” says KidsAndCars.org President Janette Fennell. “Children are being killed, children are suffering permanent brain damage, fingers are being amputated. There is so much force in these power windows.”

They can generate anywhere between 30 and 80 pounds of force to be exact. It would take only 22 pounds of force to crush or severely injure a child.

Greg and Jennifer Bauer’s son Reece was injured after his head was caught in an automatically closing window. Reece lost consciousness and almost died from head trauma. He miraculously survived and was able to attend Monday’s press conference.

The Bauers Talk About Their Experience

Jennifer Bauer says she hopes their experience ensures others won’t have to feel the same pain.

“The public doesn’t know how strong these windows are when they roll up on someone and how they can take your life in an instant,” she said.