Dzire, Venue, Creta, Seltos, etc get sunroofs: read this to save your loved ones

Motorcars have quickly become aspirational items, especially in India. There was a time when features like touchscreen infotainment systems, keyless go, cooled seats and sunroofs were offered in high-end automobiles like the Mercedes-Benz E-class, BMW 5 Series, Volvo XC90 and so on. But technology has the habit of eventually trickling down the chain to more affordable cars and hence, today, everyday cars like the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 700 and so on all get these technologies. One feature, though, has become the heartthrob of the nation and that is the sunroof. Most of these cars get either simple sunroofs or even panoramic sunroofs which span over the length of the car’s roofline. So what is a sunroof?

Having a big sunroof does not mean one can or should stick out of it.

What is a sunroof? Does it affect safety?
In layman’s terms, a sunroof is a movable panel that opens to uncover a window in an automobile roof, allowing light and fresh air to enter the passenger compartment. It is a wonderful feature to have, especially when the weather is right or when one is driving through the hills where crisp mountain air enters the cabin through this opening.
It is also apt to mention here that every car manufacturer with a sunroof needs special reinforcements. The cabin area forms the shell of a vehicle and is mainly responsible for keeping occupants safe. This cocoon gets added strength to accommodate that sunroof. So it is highly advisable not to take a hacksaw to the roof and install a sunroof unless it is done by a knowledgeable workshop.
Sunroofs: What not to do?
As mentioned earlier, the sunroof is to be used as an additional window to enjoy the outside. But unfortunately, we Indians have found another purpose for it. Time and again we see kids and even adults sticking out of the sunroof. I don’t know why as a parent one would do this to the most precious possession one has, their children! Similarly, youngsters are also seen doing this all in a bid to show off most probably.
So how can a sunroof kill? Well, as we have mentioned in our recent story about car safety, one has to be within the cabin properly belted up. This is the only way one can expect the car to save you in case of a crash.
Now imagine what will happen if a crash happens and the person is sticking out of the roof. When the car stops abruptly, the person sticking out will act as a projectile firing through the car! Eventually, he or she will land on the road most probably face down and the chances of survival will diminish fast.
India also has other obstacles to think about! There are cables and wires which frequently crisscross roads. That wire could also act as a sword that can slice a human body with ease, especially considering the velocity at which the vehicle is usually travelling. One can even fall off if the driver has to swerve to avoid an obstacle.

Look closely and you will realise the location of the sunroof is right over the front cabin. A person sticking out will also mean that the driver will not remain in a comfortable driving position.

Finally, the sunroof in most cars is situated over the front section of the cabin. To get someone out of the sunroof requires one to step into the driver’s area and that could cause a lot of trouble for the driver. We have seen the driver holding onto the person sticking out and driving single-handedly and that in itself is dangerous. Not to forget, if there is an obstacle in front, does the driver save the person sticking out or everyone in the car and the one outside? Just think about it and don’t be a Gung Ho! Be sensitive and think about the lives of not just your family but also of other road users.
Is sticking out of the sunroof an offence?
Strangely enough, there does exist a law that considers this to be an offence. The Motor Vehicles Act (MVA) allows law enforcement to impose fines on offenders for this violation. Additionally, the law also allows authorities to hold both the car owner and the driver accountable for such actions. However, the fines are trivial, at Rs 100 for the first offence and Rs 300 for subsequent offences. Quite simply, this does not act as a deterrent!

The sunroof is a great feature to have. Just don’t misuse it.

To conclude, we at AUTO TODAY are committed to not just car safety but road safety in general. We want our readers to enjoy their machines but responsibly. But at the end of the day, do not think about anything else, but just the fact that you are responsible for your near and dear ones. One at a time, we are sure, we can make India a better place to drive.
Drive safe, buckle up and at least wear a good helmet when riding.