WATCH OUT for the Rising Hatch
08-22-12, 01:05 PM
#1
Pole Position
Thread Starter
WATCH OUT for the Rising Hatch
My wife and I were shopping at Wal Mart and while walking across the parking lot with our hands full of bags, I pushed to power hatch button approaching our 2012 RX350.
Just at that minute there was a young family walking behind our RX, and as the hatch came up, it missed this poor guy by inches from his eye as he jump out of the way.
He was good natured about it and I had to apologies for the whole thing.
Did anything like this ever happen to you other Lexus owners???
Just at that minute there was a young family walking behind our RX, and as the hatch came up, it missed this poor guy by inches from his eye as he jump out of the way.
He was good natured about it and I had to apologies for the whole thing.
Did anything like this ever happen to you other Lexus owners???
08-22-12, 01:13 PM
#2
Driver School Candidate
I have owned an RX with power rear latch for a long time and I never--not once--experienced anything like what you describe. In fact, I can't even see how such a close call was even possible, especially since the RX has an audible warning beep that is activated when you push the remote release. I can't help but wonder if this close call wasn't as close as you and/or the almost victims thought. You know, some kind of optical illusion. In any event I am glad no one was injured.
08-22-12, 01:29 PM
#3
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Buzzing and beeping of all the electronics around us today, we have a tendency to ignore it all.
When 6-8 cars are parked together, and one beeps, most people couldn't tell which one was beeping if your not paying attention.
08-22-12, 01:48 PM
#4
I had a lady parked beside my RX350. When she pulled over and I happen to remotely open my trunk, she looked startled because she saw no one near the vehicle. She looked around with "did I do that" look ;-), so yes it can happen.
08-22-12, 02:14 PM
#5
I can see how that can happen. I consciously look for people and cars before I hit that button. I figure I will wait until someone ticks me off enough then I will open her up to startle them
08-22-12, 02:25 PM
#6
08-22-12, 02:34 PM
#7
Moderator
Yup. I also only push the remote button when I have visual line of sight with the back of my vehicle, just to be sure there are no crazy people around (talking on their cell phone or in a daydream) that may not hear the beep beep beep of the rear hatch opening.
Last edited by BertL; 08-23-12 at 02:28 PM. Reason: Typos. Love my iPad, but sometimes, not its strange autocorrection!
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08-22-12, 05:51 PM
#8
I think I read somewhere that one of the american brand cars you just kick the bumper if your hands are full, and the hatch will open. That way you can't hurt anyone but yourself.
I still have a (good or bad) habit of parking a safe distance from everyone, thinking I might avoid a ding or two, so not much chance to surprise anyone.
I still have a (good or bad) habit of parking a safe distance from everyone, thinking I might avoid a ding or two, so not much chance to surprise anyone.
08-22-12, 06:01 PM
#9
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I think I read somewhere that one of the american brand cars you just kick the bumper if your hands are full, and the hatch will open. That way you can't hurt anyone but yourself.
I still have a (good or bad) habit of parking a safe distance from everyone, thinking I might avoid a ding or two, so not much chance to surprise anyone.
I still have a (good or bad) habit of parking a safe distance from everyone, thinking I might avoid a ding or two, so not much chance to surprise anyone.
08-22-12, 07:37 PM
#10
Whether it's the rear hatch, opening a door, or operating the vehicle, I can't see it's anyone other than the operator's responsibility to make sure he's doing it safely and to not interfere with people nearby. I can't fault passers by in this situation.
If I was walking behind a car and the operator opened the door onto me or someone in my family I'd be pretty peeved, especially if an injury resulted.
If I was walking behind a car and the operator opened the door onto me or someone in my family I'd be pretty peeved, especially if an injury resulted.
08-22-12, 08:40 PM
#11
I can see where it could be a surprise to others nearby. I think many Walmart customers probably are not thinking about or familiar with remotely controlled liftgates and wouldn't expect it. I use my remote hatch all of the time. But, since I park away from other cars and way out of the way in parking lots it hasn't been an issue.
Last edited by UCSB; 08-22-12 at 08:45 PM.
08-23-12, 11:13 AM
#13
Driver School Candidate
I agree that a hatch opening can startle an unsuspecting bystander but I don't think it is likely to actually injure them. As for people ignoring warning beeps, well that's just plain stupid. It's a good way to get backed over by a garbage truck. I agree, this thread is amusing. Some people seem in need of things to worry or complain about.
08-23-12, 02:12 PM
#14
Lexus Test Driver
It's the already recalled, 2013 Ford Escape that has the ' wave your foot under the bumper' feature. The one review on it said you need to take a giant step back once you ' wave your foot' or you will get clobbered by the door. That is one thing about the RX that I really like, with the top of the door angled back into the roof line, the door does not swing out as far like a lot of SUV's. I always make sure the coast is clear before pushing the button.
08-23-12, 06:00 PM
#15
I've been torn between, "you've got to be kidding me" and "you're lucky you weren't sued". I'm not quick on my feet anymore, so I walk through a parking lot watching backup lights. I believe people don't see me and when I see those backup lights come on, I move to a safe place. So me walking so close to the rear end of a car and being hit by an opening liftgate would be difficult.
Yet I can understand a father/mother tending to three kids strolling through a parking lot and not see a liftgate open and he/she walks right into the corner and poking an eye out. Law suit...!!!
Yet I can understand a father/mother tending to three kids strolling through a parking lot and not see a liftgate open and he/she walks right into the corner and poking an eye out. Law suit...!!!