Abstract: An apparatus to provide improved safety for use in a motor vehicle equipped with a transmission having a "park" setting, a door to allow the operator to enter and leave the vehicle, and a gear shift handle having a park position and being moveable by the operator to select the transmission setting desired. The present improvement involves a connecting spring rod, gear shift assembly and automatic transmission which is capable of causing the transmission and gear shift assembly to move to park upon opening of the door. This apparatus provides that both the transmission and gear shift assembly will be in park when the operator leaves the vehicle via the door.