Odessa

On 6/24/07, U235 discussed SUV's backing over of children in "No Sympathy, None Whatsoever". I am finally reading April's issue of Reader's Digest and low and behold - an article about just that - the tragedy of kids getting crushed by SUVs.

Guess what? There is a web-site: kidsandcars.org ; that asks you to go to another website to support legislation: safecarsforkids.org

Like all legislation, there are portions that I support, like windows that won't just keep closing even if there is an obstruction. My answer would be to remove the one-touch closing feature on many cars. Then it is up to the operator (driver or passenger nearest the window being closed) to know if there is an obstruction. Wait! That's right! This is for people who don't want the responsibility to think.

And anti-rollaway? Does that mean my beloved standard transmission will become a thing of the past? People with standard transmissions accept rolling as a fact and use it to their advantage at times.

I modified my message to read:

Since 2000, over 1,100 children have died and thousands more have been seriously injured in non-traffic incidents involving vehicle backovers and power window strangulations. And this is a tragedy.

Many vehicles have large and dangerous blind zones, power windows that can inadvertently close on necks, hands, and fingers, and brakes that can easily shift out of gear. These are issues of which consumers need to be aware, but legislation that increases consumer vehicle costs considerably are not needed. I am writing to ask your to modify the bi-partisan child safety legislation, the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act of 2007.

This legislation would require the federal government to issue a rear visibility standard to ensure a driver can detect the presence of a child when backing up - Rather auto retailers should be required to offer this equipment to people who wish the convenience as an alternative to getting out and looking behind their vehicle.

The bill would also direct the government to consider a safety rule on the need to require power windows to automatically reverse direction if there is an obstruction in the path of a power window or panel. This is similar to technology already mandated by the federal government in automatic garage doors to stop children from being killed or injured - Rather, automatic closing windows should be banned and the responsibility of knowing if the window can be safely closed placed on the operators shoulders

Another provision in this commonsense legislation will save lives by preventing vehicle rollaway that occurs when a child easily shifts a parked vehicle into gear. Finally, the legislation calls for data collection and a consumer information program alerting the public to these dangers.

While it is a tragedy when a child dies, much can be done through education.

Perhaps, you too, wish to participate in the political process.