How many preparations do you make before leaving your home with your little ones? You might load the stroller, gather the diaper bag, and pack snacks, drinks, books, and toys. You ensure your children are securely fastened in their car seats or boosters, doing it all without a second thought. But what if incorporating measures to prevent hot car deaths became just as automatic as buckling them in?
According to Sarah Williams, editor-in-chief of carreviews.com, the goal is to make this prevention instinctive. Williams shares that the annual average for hot car fatalities, which includes children who accidentally lock themselves in vehicles, is about 37. However, in 2017, there were 43 cases, and 2018 is already on track to be the deadliest year, with 28 incidents reported so far.
What accounts for the increase in these tragedies? Is it simply that we are more aware due to media coverage, or are parents today more distracted than in previous generations? We can ponder these questions indefinitely, but the reality is that these incidents occur, even to well-meaning parents. If you find yourself judging those who have experienced such a loss, consider this: every parent believes it could never happen to them until it does.
I can personally attest to this unfortunate reality. Twice, I forgot my infant in the car. Both times, I had a chattering toddler with me, and the quiet of having just a sleepy newborn in the backseat led me to overlook the baby. Fortunately, I realized my mistake within moments, but it served as a stark reminder of how easily such oversights can happen to anyone.
Instead of casting judgment, we can focus on preventative strategies. The truth is, we are all human and busy, and no parent is exempt from the risk of tragedy. Every child deserves to be returned home safely each day.
Simple Preventative Steps
There are straightforward steps parents can take—like placing their wallet or purse in the back seat or setting phone reminders. Some childcare facilities offer systems that alert parents if their child is late. Others might set up their own checks, such as texting each other once the child is safely dropped off.
Innovative Technology from Car Manufacturers
Car manufacturers are also stepping up, creating technology aimed at preventing these heartbreaking incidents. General Motors was the pioneer with its Rear Seat Reminder System, which chimes when a trip ends if the back doors were opened at the beginning.
Nissan has introduced a similar feature, the Rear Door Alert System, available in the 2018 Pathfinder. This system displays a message on the center console and honks the horn if the back doors were opened prior to your trip. Nissan plans to implement this technology in all its vehicles by 2020, with engineers who are also parents driving its development.
Hyundai offers a different approach with its Rear Occupant Alert System, found in the 2019 Santa Fe. This system uses a movement sensor to detect activity in the backseat and will alert the driver if movement is detected after exiting the car, making it beneficial for alerting parents to a child left in the vehicle.
Apps and Technologies for Safety
Additionally, there are apps and innovative car seat technologies designed to help parents avoid such tragedies. Kars 4 Kids provides a free app that utilizes Bluetooth to remind parents of a child in the backseat. Another option is Drivers Little Helper, which alerts parents and can also contact someone if they don’t respond. Evenflo has introduced a SensorSafe system that connects to the car seat chest clip, sending alerts to parents.
The key takeaway is that there are numerous options available to ensure child safety in vehicles. If you have little ones in car seats who cannot exit on their own, take action. Implement at least one of these strategies, or as Sarah Williams suggests, “mix it up” to maximize your precautions.
When shopping for a new vehicle or car seat, inquire about the available safety technologies to protect your children from the dangers of hot cars. Remember, it can happen to anyone.
We work diligently to safeguard our children in various ways, so why not extend that vigilance to preventing heat-related incidents in cars?
This article was originally published on July 31, 2018.
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Summary
Innovative technologies and simple preventative measures are becoming increasingly important in the fight against hot car deaths. Parents can take proactive steps, from utilizing vehicle safety features to employing smartphone apps, to ensure their children’s safety. Understanding the risks and implementing multiple strategies is key to protecting children from this tragic occurrence.
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