Parents Beware: The Dangers of Auto Rollaway

Leaving a child unattended, even briefly—can lead to unintended vehicle movement

Every year, emergency rooms in North Carolina treat dozens of children injured when a vehicle unexpectedly rolls away. Modern transmissions include safety interlocks, but small shifts, from pressing inside the cabin, moving the gear selector or electronic ignition quirks—can still set a car in motion. No matter how safe your vehicle appears, the only foolproof protection is never leaving a child alone, even for a “quick” errand. Below is everything a parent in 2025 needs to know about rollaway prevention, updated technologies, state laws and local resources.

Why rollaway still happens in 2025

Automobile manufacturers have added multiple layers of protection against unintended shifts out of “Park.” Yet rollaway incidents persist because:

• Shift-by-wire electronic shifters: Many newer vehicles use push-button or electronic shifters. Unlike mechanical linkages, these rely on software and sensors, malfunctions or user confusion during key-on/accessory mode can allow a shift from Park without the brake pedal pressed.
• Brake-shift interlock (BSI) loopholes: Federal regulations (FMVSS 114) require that you press the brake pedal before shifting out of Park, yet repeated recalls (2019–2023) revealed some systems can be defeated by quick button sequences or low-battery key fobs in the cabin.
• Electronic park hold overrides: Vehicles with Auto Hold or electronic parking brakes may automatically release the parking brake if the car senses a slope or if the driver door opens, allowing the vehicle to roll if a child shifts the gear selector.
• Keyless ignition “accessory” mode: Leaving the key fob inside and turning the knob or pushing the start button once activates electronics (radio, climate) without the brake interlock, if a child manipulates the shifter lever or buttons, the car can slip out of Park.

Updated rollaway prevention technologies

Since 2017, vehicle safety systems have advanced. Look for these features when shopping or servicing your family car:

• Child-presence detection: Some 2024+ models include in-cabin cameras or weight sensors in the front seats that freeze the shifter if the occupant is under 65 lbs and not properly buckled.
• Automatic emergency braking (AEB) in Park: When the brake pedal is released, AEB applies the brakes for several seconds to prevent rollaway on hills or gentle slopes.
• Enhanced shift-lock override alerts: Visual and audible warnings if the system detects the brake-pedal has not been pressed within two seconds of out-of-Park selection.
• Mobile key fob notifications: Smartphone apps now send “Vehicle Not in Park” alerts if the car remains in Drive, Neutral or accessory mode with the fob inside and no driver seatbelt latched.

Critical safety practices, nothing replaces supervision

No technology can substitute for adult supervision. Every parent and caregiver must follow these nonnegotiable rules:

1. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, even for “just a minute.”
2. Always remove the key fob or turn off the engine.
3. Use the manual emergency brake (hand or foot) every time you park, especially on inclines.
4. Lock doors and trunks immediately after exiting.
5. Educate children: teach them cars are not toys and they must never play with controls.

North Carolina laws and regulations

• Child In Vehicle Alone (NC GS 20-217): It is unlawful to leave a child younger than 6 unattended in a vehicle for longer than five minutes if the vehicle is running or climate control is on. Violations carry fines up to $100 and possible community service.
• Brake-Shift Interlock Compliance: All automatic-transmission vehicles sold in NC since September 1, 2010 must meet FMVSS 114 standards. Recalls due to overrides must be remedied at no charge. Check recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
• Child Passenger Safety Seat Requirements (NC GS 20-137.1): Properly installed seats keep children in place and away from gear selectors and ignition controls.

After a rollaway incident, what to do

If a vehicle does roll, swift action is critical:

• Engage the parking brake and shift to Park as soon as possible.
• Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if the vehicle has struck property or pedestrians.
• Document the scene, take photos of the vehicle position, controls and any visible damage.
• Report to NCDMV if vehicle malfunction contributed. File a consumer complaint at ncdot.gov/dmv.

Resources and training in North Carolina

• Safe Kids North Carolina: Workshops on “Look Before You Lock” at hospitals across the state. Find sessions at safekids.org.
• NHTSA Child Safety Campaign: National rollaway prevention tips and recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/child-safety.
• Local fire departments: Many offer free car-seat and vehicle-safety checks; call your county station.
• NC AARP Road Show: Senior-driver clinics include vehicle control demonstrations, useful for grandparents and caregivers. Details at aarp.org/nc.

Conclusion

While automotive technology continuously improves, no system is infallible. The only guaranteed way to prevent auto rollaway is never to leave children unattended, always use the parking brake, remove the key fob and lock the doors. Combine vigilance with the latest safety features, know the North Carolina laws, and leverage local resources, so your quick stop never becomes a tragedy.