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Protecting Children: Preventing Deaths From Hot Cars
The Institute for Childhood Preparedness and Kids and Cars have teamed up to educate the public about the dangers of leaving children alone in hot cars. Last year we created a helpful flyer with heatstroke prevention facts and actionable tips if you see a child alone in a hot car. Unfortunately, there were 53 hot car deaths in 2019, and there have already been six hot car deaths in 2020. According to KidsandCars.org, over 940 children have died in hot cars nationwide since 1990. Even the best of parents or caregivers can unknowingly leave a sleeping baby in a car, and the result can be injury or even death.
Momentum for an Effort to Save Children From Sweltering Cars
There was reason for optimism last June. The Hot Cars Act of 2019 appeared to be making some progress. The bill would require a device that could warn drivers and car owners of a child left behind in a car or one who had gotten into a parked car. For Janette Fennell of KidsAndCars.org, who has championed such legislation for decades, the bill was an opportunity to curb an epidemic of childhood hyperthermia deaths. Each year, dozens of children die of heatstroke in cars.
SCHAKOWSKY AND PALLONE CHAMPION AUTO SAFETY PROVISIONS
Today, Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce Chair Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) announced the inclusion of critical auto safety provisions in H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act. The provisions will improve auto safety and will help prevent tragic deaths from drunk driving, children being left in hot cars, carbon monoxide poisoning, and unsafe limousines.
Joint Statement: The Motor Vehicle Safety Title Advances Important Technology and Programs
The House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee Majority today took decisive action in the public interest to provide consumers and roadway users with essential vehicle safety protections. The Committee’s comprehensive package is urgently needed as the most recent estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that 36,120 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes last year.
5 tips to prevent hot car deaths
Amber Rollins with KidsAndCars.org says hot car deaths are lower than average for 2020. That's because parents are getting out less. When you get back to a normal routine, you should add a few steps to prevent hot car deaths.
