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Garage doors are a staple of modern convenience. They offer security, protect vehicles and belongings from the elements, and often serve as the main point of entry to a home. But when they malfunction, garage doors can quickly go from helpful to hazardous. Each year, thousands of people are injured in garage door accidents—many of which are entirely preventable.

This article dives into real-life incidents caused by faulty garage doors and outlines what homeowners can do to avoid these potentially life-altering accidents when garage doors turn dangerous.

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Real-Life Accidents That Highlight the Danger

1. The Collapsing Door

In Massachusetts, a homeowner attempted to repair a sagging garage door on his own. Believing it was a simple issue, he loosened a few bolts without understanding the tension involved in the torsion springs. The heavy door collapsed suddenly, fracturing his leg and pinning him beneath it until a neighbor heard his cries and called for help. He later required surgery and weeks of physical therapy.

Lesson: Never attempt garage door spring repairs without professional training. The springs are under immense tension and can cause serious injuries when mishandled.

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2. Child Caught Under Closing Door

In a suburban neighborhood, a 6-year-old child ran under a closing garage door to grab a toy. The door’s sensor failed to detect the child’s presence, and the door continued to close. While the child escaped with minor injuries, the incident served as a wake-up call to the family.

Lesson: Safety sensors must be tested and cleaned regularly. If they aren’t functioning properly, the door may not reverse when something—or someone—is underneath.

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3. Trapped by a Faulty Remote

An elderly couple in Boston found themselves trapped inside their garage during a winter storm. Their garage door opener stopped working due to a faulty circuit board, and the manual release was stuck. With no cellphone signal in the garage, they had to wait for hours until a neighbor came to check on them.

Lesson: Always ensure your garage door system has a working manual release and back-up power options. In emergencies, access to the outside is critical.

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Why Garage Doors Fail

Garage doors may appear simple on the outside, but they are complex systems made up of mechanical, electrical, and structural components. Accidents often occur due to:

• Worn-Out Parts: Springs, cables, and rollers degrade over time and can snap or fail.
• Improper Installation: A door not installed correctly is more likely to fall or malfunction.
• Neglected Maintenance: Without regular tune-ups, small issues can evolve into major problems.
• Outdated Safety Features: Older doors may lack sensors, auto-reverse mechanisms, or manual overrides.
• DIY Repairs: Attempting to fix a garage door without proper tools or knowledge often leads to injury.

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How to Prevent Garage Door Accidents

1. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Just like a car, a garage door system requires routine maintenance. A professional technician can inspect springs, check cables, lubricate moving parts, and test safety mechanisms. Regular service ensures your system functions reliably and safely.

2. Test Auto-Reverse Features

Most modern garage doors have an automatic reverse function that kicks in when the door encounters resistance. To test this:

• Place a roll of paper towels under the door.
• Close the door using your remote.
• The door should immediately reverse when it contacts the roll.

If it doesn’t, call a technician to inspect the sensor system.

3. Educate Your Family

Children and even adults may not fully understand the risks. Teach kids not to run under a closing door and to never play near it. Make sure everyone in the household knows how to operate the manual release in case of a power outage.

4. Avoid DIY Fixes

Garage door repairs involve high-tension components. Attempting to fix springs, tracks, or openers without the proper tools or training is risky. Always call a licensed professional for anything more than a minor issue.

5. Install Modern Safety Upgrades

If your door is over 10–15 years old, consider upgrading to a model with enhanced safety features, such as:

• Infrared motion sensors
• Battery backup systems
• Smart openers with remote monitoring
• Soft-close technology

These upgrades significantly reduce the chances of injury or malfunction.

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Be Proactive, Not Reactive

It’s easy to take a working garage door for granted—until something goes wrong. The stories above illustrate just how dangerous garage doors can become when neglected or misused. By taking proactive steps like scheduling inspections, testing safety features, and hiring professionals when needed, homeowners can prevent serious accidents and keep their families safe.

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Final Thoughts

Garage doors may seem like simple household equipment, but their weight, mechanical complexity, and frequency of use make them potential hazards when not properly maintained. Real-life accidents show how quickly things can go wrong—from crushing injuries and electrical failures to dangerous malfunctions during emergencies.

Homeowners must prioritize safety. Don’t wait until a scary incident forces you to act. Regular maintenance, proper usage, and awareness are your best defenses against accidents. And when in doubt, always consult a trusted garage door professional to ensure everything operates smoothly—and safely.