We must support the HOT CARS Act
U.S. Representatives Tim Ryan (D-13th OH), Peter King (R-2nd NY) and Jan Schakowsky (D-9th IL) recently introduced the Helping Overcome Trauma for Children Alone in Rear Seats Act (HOT CARS Act of 2017, H.R. 2801). The act requires technology in passenger vehicles to alert the driver when a passenger is left in the back seat.
This bipartisan initiative would prevent deaths and injuries caused by vehicular heatstroke. It is the first step to prevent this horrible problem. Reminder systems for headlights, doors, keys and seat belts already exist in many cars.
According to Kids and Cars, this year 12 children have tragically lost their lives to vehicular heatstroke. The average number of U.S. child heatstroke fatalities per year is 37. From 1998-2015 there have been 661 child vehicular heatstroke deaths, 54% of these children were “forgotten” by their caregiver. The temperature inside of a car can reach 125 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with the windows cracked. Children overheat four times faster than adults. A child dies when his/her body temperature reaches 107 degrees. Children have died from vehicular heatstroke in temperatures as low as 54 degrees.
Rear View Safety has developed the Brilliant Backseat Reminder System so you won’t forget any precious cargo left in the backseat. The Brilliant Backseat is equipped with two different alarms to alert you, or those nearby, that you have forgotten something, or someone in the backseat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASorv6Uo5fQ
Safety Tips
Here are some heatstroke safety tips from the Kids and Cars and The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Not even for a minute!
- If you see a child unattended in a hot vehicle call 9-1-1.
- Be sure that all occupants leave the vehicle when unloading. Don’t overlook sleeping babies.
- Always lock your car and ensure children do not have access to keys or remote entry devices.
- Teach children that vehicles are never to be used as a play area.
- If a child is missing, always check the pool first, and then the car, including the trunk.
- Make “look before you leave” a routine whenever you get out of the car.
- Have a plan that your childcare provider will call you if your child does not show up for school.
- Keep a stuffed animal in the car-seat and when the child is put in the seat place the animal in the front with the driver. Or place your purse, briefcase or cell phone in the back seat as a reminder that you have your child in the car
Please be safe out there.
