‘When Sunroof Use Goes Wrong,’ a recent awareness video by the Motor Vehicles department (MVD) on the dangers of children and others extending their heads through the sunroof of cars, SUVs, and MUVs, has gone viral.

The video highlights the inherent dangers of such seemingly safe habits for vehicle occupants. “Few realise the risk when children and others stand inside vehicles and extend their heads through the sunroof. They face a high risk of injury, especially if the driver suddenly applies the brakes,” says N.K. Deepu, Motor Vehicle Inspector at the Joint Regional Transport Office (RTO), Devikulam.

The video begins with a three-member family joyfully driving through the high ranges of Kerala in a micro-SUV, with their daughter’s upper body visible above the sunroof. She stands with her arms outstretched until her father suddenly applies the brakes at a curve. The rest of their journey unfolds in an ambulance, rushing the child to the hospital.

Mr. Deepu, who anchors the video, explains that the sunroof is meant for ventilation, not for standing. “When children or even adults extend their bodies through it, they lack stability and grip. Doctors warn that sudden braking or swerving can cause children to hit the sunroof frame, leading to rib fractures and lung injuries. Older children and adults risk internal bleeding if their abdomen strikes the edges,” he says.

He adds that any accident involving such vehicles could result in spinal or head injuries, and the standing individual may be ejected from the vehicle upon impact.