The road transport department (TOM) on Monday warned over hidden electronic car door handles after safety incidents abroad where vehicle doors failed to open during emergencies.

The department said international road safety organisations have recorded cases in which these handles malfunctioned after traffic accidents or even during fires, making it difficult or impossible for passengers to exit the vehicle.

In some incidents a drop in battery voltage caused the exterior handles to remain inactive in their closed or hidden position, said according to TOM.

The same European organisations have also indicated that existing safety standards do not adequately guarantee that electronically controlled doors can be opened after an accident or in the event of a power failure.

TOM called on vehicle owners in Cyprus to consult their manuals for instructions on using the manual door release mechanism and opening doors without electrical power.

Owners must identify the manual releases for the front and rear doors and inform all users about their operation.

Regular battery checks are essential, as the electronic handles rely on sufficient power.

Owners, TOM said, should avoid using the vehicle if the door handle malfunctions until it is inspected and repaired.

For more information or to report incidents, contact [email protected]