Rachakonda police warn against risky sunroof travel

HYDERABAD: A social media post by Rachakonda police warning against dangerous travel through car sunroofs has triggered debate among netizens. Sharing a video of a recent Bengaluru accident, police advised both children and adults not to attempt such stunts for fun.

In the Bengaluru incident, a boy travelling with his family stuck his head out of a sunroof when the driver failed to notice an overhead barricade. The boy suffered a severe head injury after the barricade hit him.

Police said while the accident occurred in Karnataka, it should serve as a warning for everyone. "Every modern car comes with a sunroof. People see it as a fun experience, but it carries hidden risks," officers said.

Many youngsters shoot selfies and reels through sunroofs and post them online. Parents too allow children to stick their heads out, treating it as a status symbol. Police urged families to avoid such practices.

Experts pointed out that overhead barricades, dangling wires, kite strings and cables can cause fatal injuries to those leaning out of sunroofs. Sudden braking can also result in chest, rib and internal injuries. On winding roads, people can even fall out of vehicles.

Doctors warned that injuries to the head, chest and abdomen from sunroof impact can lead to heavy bleeding and long-term health complications.

Police stressed that sunroofs are intended only for ventilation and emergency exits, not for roadside stunts. Using them on busy roads should be treated as a traffic violation similar to rash driving and underage driving, experts said.

Under Section 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, those travelling with their heads or bodies protruding from sunroofs or car windows can face six months’ imprisonment, a fine of ₹1,000, or both.

Traffic officials further cautioned that dust and exhaust fumes directly entering through sunroofs can cause respiratory illnesses. Sunroofs should only be used on highways or wide roads, they said.