New technology could help prevent children from dying in hot cars
Already this year, five children in the United States have died after being left in hot cars. The victims include two children from North Carolina — a two-year-old in Gaston County and a five-month-old girl in Iredell County.
None of the parents whose children have died in hot cars can comprehend how or why it happened. The mom of a 1-year-old who died shared online that "it’s a question that will haunt us forever." Another mom said that she "never thought that this could happen to us."
Safety advocates hope new technology helps.
“More than just providing a parent with a reminder to check the backseat, this new technology could actually detect an occupant,” said Emily Thomas with Consumer Reports.
Federal regulators cleared the way for car manufacturers to install highly sensitive in-car radar systems that can monitor for children left in the car and alert the driver to take action.
But, until it’s widely available, it’s important that drivers take steps to check the back seat.
"Create a habit of putting a personal item, like your phone or laptop bag, in the back seat, even if your child is not with you. Doing this will force you to visit the backseat after every trip,” said Thomas.
It can also help to put your child’s items in the front seat, like their backpack or jacket.
Parents can also set up an agreement with their daycare or preschool to give a call if their child doesn't arrive as expected.
“Children’s bodies can’t efficiently regulate their temperature, and according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, their bodies can heat up three to five times faster than adults,” said Thomas, adding that it’s never safe to leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even it’s not particularly warm, the car is parked in the shade or a window is cracked.
If you see a child in a locked car, call 911.
Another way these tragedies happen is when kids get into cars on their own. So, even if you don’t have kids, always keep your vehicles locked and keys out of reach.
