Prepare yourself. This unfortunate event is a common occurrence that we must address regularly. It is essential for everyone’s safety to stay informed.
On average, 38 children lose their lives due to overheating in cars every year, according to Kids and Car Safety. However, there has been a positive trend in the recent past.
Peak Before the Pandemic
The data from the organization indicates that 2018 and 2019 saw the highest numbers of child fatalities in hot cars. There were 54 such tragic incidents in 2018 and 52 in 2019.
Since then, there has been a decrease in numbers. Last year, the organization documented 29 deaths related to hot vehicles.
“The majority of hot car tragedies involve a child who was inadvertently left in the vehicle or gained access on their own,” the organization states. “Contrary to popular belief, these cases are seldom linked to drugs, alcohol, prior CPS involvement, or neglect.”
Rapid Occurrence
An idle car acts as an enclosed space of metal and glass, rapidly heating up under the sun. “Even with slight ventilation, the interior temperature of a car can skyrocket to 125 degrees within minutes,” advises Kids and Car Safety. The first 10 minutes witness an 80% rise in temperature.
The internal temperature of a car can be significantly higher than the external air temperature. “Children have succumbed to heatstroke inside cars with outside temperatures as low as 60 degrees,” the organization emphasizes.
Utilization of Rear Seat Reminder Technology
Kids and Car Safety does not provide a clear explanation for the decline post-2019. Reduced driving during the COVID-19 pandemic likely played a role in lowering the fatalities. However, despite an increase in driving activity, the figures have not returned to the levels seen in 2019.
Technological advancements may be contributing to this positive trend. Numerous automakers have integrated rear seat reminder systems in new vehicles. Upon closing a rear door prior to driving, a reminder prompts the driver to inspect for children or pets upon parking.
Related – How Rear Seat Reminder Technology Functions And Its Necessity
Lack of Prompt Action by the Authorities
The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act mandated the U.S. Department of Transportation to enforce the inclusion of this technology in all new vehicles. However, according to the organization, the department has been sluggish in implementing the regulation. It missed a deadline in November 2023 to enact a new rule.
For those unable to invest in a new vehicle, there are still opportunities to access this technology. Kids and Car Safety highlights, “The market offers various aftermarket solutions that should be considered an additional safety measure. SensorSafe technology, found in specific Evenflo and Cybex car seats, includes an intelligent chest clip that notifies caregivers to inspect the backseat when the child is buckled in. This clip synchronizes with a mobile app, sending alerts to parents if the child is inadvertently abandoned.”
