VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED BY A FASTER VEHICLE. THE IMPACT FORCED THE TRANSMISSION INTO "PARK," WHICH AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED THE DOORS, TRAPPING ANY OCCUPANTS. HAD THERE BEEN A FIRE OR WATER SUBMERGENCE SITUATION, THERE COULD BE UNNECESSARY INJURY OR EVEN DEATH. VEHICLE DOOR LOCKS NEED TO BE RE-DESIGNED TO LET OCCUPANTS ESCAPE IN AN EMERGENCY. *JS