Sunroof Safety

Seat belts provide excellent protection in vehicles.

Cars that have sunroofs are not inherently less safe than cars without them. If the sunroofs were not safe, manufacturers would not be able to install them. However, people are a larger variable in sunroof safety than the sunroofs.

Function

Sunroofs let sunshine and fresh air inside the vehicle by sliding open. In hot climates or in the summer people can crack the sunroof open an inch or two when parked to prevent the air inside the vehicle from getting overly hot, one of the biggest benefits for having a sunroof.

Considerations

All occupants of vehicles need to wear seat belts, holding passengers in place in case of a collision. When the sunroof is open, there is a remote chance of debris entering the vehicle through the open roof in the event of an accident.

Prevention/Solution

Keeping the sunroof closed in traffic or bad weather will add to passenger safety. Not standing through the sunroof while riding down the road also enhances safety.

References

• Governor's Highway Safety Association: Seat Belt Laws