Every summer across the U.S., between 35 and 40 children die inside hot vehicles. Most of these deaths are accidental. Unfortunately, many parents continue to ignore the risks.
This issue is now worrying safety advocates. And they started to call on companies to act.
Car makers already develop auto safety tech that benefits the entire family. But now that we have a new sensor that can help parents prevent hot car deaths, we should use it.
Vehicles already come with systems that alert drivers when their doors are still open. Other technologies remind occupants their seat belts are not buckled. But a system seldom used is now alerting drivers that a child remains in the back seat. Why?
Safety Advocates Wonder If Regulators Will Act To Prevent Hot Car Deaths
The tech, which is not widely used, comprises of a rear seat reminder system that saves lives.
Some GMC vehicles have the technology. Nissan is also starting to use it. Other products or add-ons also have the same function. But unfortunately, not all cars possess this capability. This reminded many safety advocates that, over time, regulators could end up requiring cars are fitted with the system.
Parents and caregivers often think that this issue won’t happen to them. So they do not think that adding this technology is important. But the heat stroke risk is real. And many sleep-deprived parents may often forget they have their infant in the backseat.
Researchers on the matter believe that the push to adopt the wide use of the technology could help to prevent what they call “pediatric vehicular heatstroke.” They believe that raising awareness will help parents who would otherwise be putting their kids in danger.
Anyone who’s concerned for the safety and well being of America’s children would agree that the addition of this technology to all cars would be a great step forward.
Hopefully, automakers and regulators will work together to make this a reality.
