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Safer Power Windows in Autos

Groups Demanding Safer Power Windows in Autos

A two year old died quickly recently when she leaned out of her parents' truck to pet a dog, she hit the power window switch with her knee and the window came up, strangling her. Her father was only a few yards away.

More Child Resistant Automobile Window Switches Sought

The girl's mother is urging automakers to install safer window switches and windows that will automatically stop closing if something is in the way. She also is warning parents that windows can pack up to 80 pounds of force.

"It's not a fair match, and now my baby is gone," a tearful mother said.

Kids and automobiles; the Consumer Federation of America, launched a campaign aimed at forcing U.S. automakers to change their windows.

"The industry shirks responsibility for windows they know are deadly," says Janette Fennell, president of Kids and automobiles of Kansas City, Kan.

Kids and automobiles has documented 23 deaths from power windows since 1993 but says the total could be much higher. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is studying the problem and plans to release preliminary data on deaths this fall.

Kids and automobiles is filing a petition asking NHTSA to require safer power windows. The group also is writing to automakers and running public service announcements.

The campaign doesn't target European or Japanese automakers, which already install safer switches.

In April 2003, the European Union began requiring automakers to have safer switches, said Susan Winn of the Consumer Federation. Those switches, generally considered safer than the rocking switches in many U.S. vehicles, are flush with the arm rest and require users to pull up if they want the window to go up.

General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and DaimlerChrysler AG said they have safety features in place, including driver-operated lockout switches on all vehicles that prevent children from using windows in the back seat.

They also said any deaths due to power windows are a tragic reminder that children shouldn't be left unsupervised around vehicles.

GM is putting European-style switches in new models, such as the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu.

Some vehicles -- such as the Ford Focus -- have power windows that automatically stop on European models but not on U.S. models, Kids and automobiles said. Ford spokeswoman Kristen Kinley responded that the more advanced power windows are available as an option on U.S. models.

DaimlerChrysler spokeswoman Ann Smith said the company is phasing out the rocking switches or putting them in the center console where they are more difficult for children to reach.

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