Or is this legit? The New York Times reports: A New Legislative Push for Safer Power Windows.
Should manufacturers be required to add safety features regardless of the cost and amount of lives it will save? According to The Times "Kids and Cars, a safety group in Leawood, Kan., has documented 54 power-window-related fatalities since 1962."
It's clearly not an epidemic, but we do wonder in this age of excess (lighted and heated/cooled cupholders) why automakers are complaining of costs. Yeah, those extra features in cars are not required by government -- only by the competition.
This "automatic reverse" technology already exists, so it's not a major hassle to include it if the car is already being equipped with power windows. Manufacturers should include it standard on any car with power windows. If manufacturers feel it would push the cost too high, then replace power windows with manual windows. These conveniences come at a price, but children shouldn't pay it.
Speaking of safety, we'd sure like to see a vehicle occupant warning system in place. Summer's coming and you know some children are going to die while strapped in their car seats.