GM Trunk Kits Guard Against Child Deaths

General Motors Corp. has introduced kits designed to prevent children from becoming trapped in car trunks. Three incidents in which children became trapped while playing claimed the lives of 11 girls and boys across the U.S. during the summer (Highway 1, Aug. 27).

GM’s dealer-installed $50 kit includes a latch that requires a lever to be manually reset before the trunk lid will close, helping prevent children from accidentally trapping themselves.

The kit also includes a lighted escape handle inside the trunk that opens the lid, and a strap to prevent children from entering the trunk from inside the car through rear fold-down seats.

Ford Motor Co. and DaimlerChrysler Corp. are among other manufacturers working on child-resistant trunk systems. CTLR Enterprises of Sorrento, Fla., produces a $24.95 kit to install an inside trunk release; information: (800) 641-8146.