Abstract: An automatic door opening safety system particularly for use with garage doors is provided. The garage door includes a leading edge that moves from the open position, where the leading edge defines the top of the opening and a closed position, where the leading edge contacts the ground. A controller is provided for controlling movement of the door. An activation member provides an input to the controller to initiate movement of the door. A detection member is provided for detecting obstructions in the path of the garage door. The detection member includes an infrared transmitter for transmitting an infrared signal to the infrared receiver of the controller.