Sunroof Dangers – Should There Be Regulation?

In 2011, the NHTSA considered establishing sunroof regulations when they established regulations to help prevent side window ejections. Ultimately, they opted not to do so since sunroof ejections only accounted for 3% of the total ejection deaths each year. Instead, they focused on side window airbags, which have drastically improved the safety of modern day vehicles.

Some auto manufacturers have begun to take sunroof safety into their own hands by using special laminated safety glass in their sunroofs. One of those manufacturers is Volvo and some Ford products. Hyundai has even developed what they believe is the first official sunroof airbag. In addition, researchers at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are creating new tests to test the safety of sunroofs, a sign that potential government regulations are looming.

While some critics say that the need for more auto regulations isn’t necessary – safety experts disagree. In 2014, the NHTSA required automakers to begin making backup cameras standard on all cars and light trucks. This regulation occurred after they realized that 210 fatalities a year could be prevented with such technology. Safety experts argue that by the same standard, sunroof safety regulations should be implemented and these top 3 mechanical failures that cause car accidents need to be addressed as well for best results.