As sunroofs become more common in new vehicles, there are several safety concerns regarding this feature. Manufacturers install sunroofs to allow for sunlight and fresh air while driving. For this reason, they are often made from glass or metal panels installed on the roof of a car.
But great aesthetics aside, do sunroofs pose a danger to vehicle occupants during accidents? Continue reading to find out.
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The Dangers Behind Sunroofs
Many people question sunroof safety standards and with good reason. There are a lot of risks—in specific accident cases, such as rollover car accidents—that vehicles without sunroofs would not typically have. Here are some hazards that could potentially arise from car accidents whose vehicles involved have sunroofs.
Ejections
Ejections are notably the greatest danger in rollover car crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these accidents account for nearly 30 percent of road accident fatalities.
A vehicle ejection happens when a passenger is thrown out of a car during a crash. Whether partial or complete ejection, victims sustain serious injuries from such conditions. Once a passenger is ejected from the vehicle, there are no safety devices that can protect them, and they could land on a hard surface or be hit by another vehicle.
Ejections will generally happen if a passenger has been driving without their seatbelt buckled or the windows are opened.
If your sunroof is open at the time of a crash, it increases the chances of you getting ejected from the vehicle.
If you are worried about vehicle ejections, here are a few ways to prevent them.
- Ensure all vehicle occupants are buckled up. Seat belts have proven to save lives on multiple occasions by holding passengers in place during collisions or crashes. According to the NHTSA, failing to wear a seat belt increases ejection risk up to ten times.
- Keep up with routine maintenance to ensure your vehicle is in good shape, reducing rollover risks. Have a professional check your vehicle’s suspension, steering, and tires. These components are crucial to preventing potential rollovers.
- Inspect your car before heading out. Check the tire pressure and tread depth. Remember, sudden tire failure while driving could easily lead to a rollover accident.
Injuries From Shattered Glass
Glass sunroofs may shatter during accidents, leading to various injuries such as lacerations and abrasions. Some glass pieces can enter the mouth and eyes, leading to severe internal injuries.
While most sunroof-shattering incidents happen during accidents, they might also happen spontaneously without interference. This could be a frightening experience for drivers and can result in an accident.
Fortunately, several measures are in place to ensure sunroofs meet safety regulation standards. For this reason, manufacturers ensure that the installation of sunroofs does not compromise the overall strength of the roof. Also, the glass material is laminated to prevent it from shattering during impact.
Final Statements
“A sunroof in a vehicle should not pose any risks to the passengers if it is properly designed; therefore, checking if a sunroof meets the NHTSA’s standards before purchasing a vehicle is crucial,” said personal injury lawyer John Yannone of Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP.
Regardless, it is always a good practice to buckle up and follow traffic rules to prevent accidents.
If you suffer injuries from an improperly designed sunroof, third-party liability might apply. It is always best to hire an experienced attorney to help you prove negligence and harm from such an accident.