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Original poster

HEALTH WARNING ON ELECTRIC WINDOWS

42 replies

Hattiecat · 20/07/2006 16:57

have just had most hideous experience - left baby in car with windows OPEN, locked car, always in view of it as went to pick up dd1 at school (i've been v poorly so thought no need to get buggy out of car, baby out of car seat etc etc.). asked dd1 to get in car (opened with remote locking) talked to a friend so was quite a few minutes (can't say how many cos so traumatised by it) went back to car to find ALL WINDOWS SHUT. my car is renault grand scenic turns out all windows are automatically shut when the car is locked, so one very red, hot, soaked through baby......i know its my fault for leaving her there but i genuinely thought she was safe. please if all your car windows are electric don't make the same mistake i have just done, i dread to think what could have happened if i'd been a few minutes later. am really upset by the whole thing...

OP posts:

Original poster

Hattiecat · 20/07/2006 20:12

damn it can't even type - clearly last post should have said WISH i was as perfect as everyone else...

OP posts:

southeastastra · 20/07/2006 20:14

no it's a design fault - sorry it just is.

hattiecat, some of the most preventable accidents have been caused by design fault.

SaintGeorge · 20/07/2006 20:16

It is not a design fault at all. It is a security measure and is in the car manual, so owner's should be aware.

Sorry, not getting at you Hattie - I am a far from perfect parent - but no point in blaming the car manufacturer.

NomDePlume · 20/07/2006 20:19

I sympathise with you Hattie, really I do, you must've been beside yourself.

Sorry SEA, but like StG says it is not a design fault, it is a design feature.

southeastastra · 20/07/2006 20:20

what's wrong with just winding down the window anymore? there have be accidents before

Original poster

Hattiecat · 20/07/2006 20:25

its bizarre that this has caused such controversy - i only posted to let other people know this happened and to be aware. i don't think its a design fault either, but i do think that there should be some notification that it is going to happen- after all there is for air bags. i know that i shouldn't have left her in there, but believe me after the 5 weeks i've just had (diagnosed with guillian barre syndrome, 2 weeks in hospital, including time in intensive care) and the months of rehab am facing, i was just trying to make things a little easier, that's all. i'm horrified by what happened - we nearly lost baby at christmas and the thought of that happening again is hideous, so if you don't know the exact workings of your car, then all i'm asking is that you find out about it so you don't have to have the fright that i've had today.

OP posts:

Misspiggy · 20/07/2006 20:33

Hattie - we've all done something without thinking it through and then felt absolutely awful afterwards, I certainly have. You've been ill recently, plus you have a young family with all the stresses that brings so maybe you weren't thinking straight at the time. Please don't be upset by people who feel the need to state the glaringly obvious, it will only make you feel even worse than you clearly already do. Go off and have a cuddle with baby and then chill out for the evening. x

Piffle · 20/07/2006 20:34

if the windows were open why did you need to lock the car?
But sorry you had this nasty experience...Hope baby is ok

milward · 20/07/2006 20:37

Hattie - I have a grands espace & the windows don't auto go up when locked! Call your garage to see if it's a feature that you can turn off.

southeastastra · 20/07/2006 20:51

i thought it would cause a bit of controversy but the 'function' should be highlighted

Original poster

Hattiecat · 20/07/2006 20:53

you're right sea - and that's why i posted in the first place...

OP posts:

tenalady · 20/07/2006 21:43

thankyou Hattiecat, I appreciate from looking at the thread that many posters have now checked thier cars for this feature. Well done.

Skribble · 21/07/2006 00:31

Mine gives a loud beep of the horn if you leave the back window down when you alarm the car, side windows don't budge, but back window has a mind of its own.

The interior sensor alarm in mine can be overridden by locking the car with the key in the lock instad of the fob, check you manual.

In this weather I would doubt there would be much ventilation from barely open windows. I have no problem with babies being left in locked cars while at school gates or petrol stations etc, but not in full sun perhaps. Mindyou I left my 2 kids to go in the post office, engine running and everything.

iamapieceofcheesecake · 21/07/2006 00:46

Maybe they should design 'drive thru schools' like the 'drive thru' petrol stations. You could pull up to the window, hand over id of your child and away you go!
Sorry, just trying to make light of this thread as it seems some people need cheering up.
Hattie, I know what you feel like to an extent as a family member has just been diagnosed with the same condition, so I can understand you not wanting to take dd out of the car.

handlemecarefully · 21/07/2006 01:08

Hattiecat,

sorry you've had such an awful experience and I'm glad baby was okay...

I often leave my children in a locked car (in full view whilst doing quick pick up type thing as you have described), however must agree with some other posters. It's a fact - window open or not, I wouldn't leave my children in the car currently. It's smotheringly hot - even with 'ventilation'. Not judging you, just stating my postion and apologies that it doesn't totally accord with yours - but there it is!

jasper · 21/07/2006 01:42

Thanks Hattie I will check to see if my car has this feature. I regularly leave my kids in the car for a few minutes if I am nipping out for something

SueW · 21/07/2006 05:28

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at OP's request.

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