Keep Your Family Safe Around Remote-Controlled Car Doors

Remote controlled sliding doors, like those found on minivans, are an immeasurable convenience for busy parents, but some precautions are required. Modern day minivans are packed with power and gadgets. The 'uncool' stigma aside, these vehicles are invaluable for transporting your children (along with their friends, baseball equipment, science projects, and the dog) around town. The roomy space, adjustable seating, and backseat entertainment options (like TVs and DVD players) all contribute to the family-friendly vibe. And their remote-controlled power doors are a big help for anyone juggling groceries, packages, and kids.

These doors, which are typically found on one or both sides of the van, can be opened and closed with a button on the key fob as well as an interior switch. However, convenience doesn't come without a price; and for power doors, that price is additional safety concern. Here are a few guidelines to help you and your family stay safe:

Educate. Your best defense is to educate your children about how the door works. Show them how it could be dangerous, and what they should watch out for.

Lay down the law. Enforce a rule that no one can close the door until everyone is buckled in their seats. Likewise, no one is allowed to unbuckle their seatbelts until the door is completely open. This will help prevent accidents. (These doors are built with myriad sensors to prevent such accidents, but past recalls have proven you can't rely solely on the sensors.)

Stay focused. Keep your eyes on everyone when the door is in motion. It's easy to move on to the next task as soon as you hit the button, but try to remain focused until the door stops moving.

Check recalls. Visit recall Web sites, like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's to keep on top of the latest news and safety information.

Safe and Happy Driving!

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