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Technology exists that can prevent these unthinkable tragedies. A provision was passed in November 2021 as a part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a regulation by November, 2023 for technology in all new cars to help prevent hot car deaths. The final rule is now MORE THAN two years overdue from the Congressionally mandated deadline.
Kids and Car Safety is committed to the push for occupant detection technology in all cars immediately. Automakers do not have to wait for the final regulation to be issued requiring technology; they can add occupant detection technology to their vehicles today.
Children are dying while lifesaving technology sits on the sidelines waiting for federal action.
Kids and Car Safety is urgently raising emergency funding to accelerate awareness efforts, advocate for overdue federal safety regulations, and protect children from preventable hot car tragedies.
Donate Now
https://kidsandcars.networkforgood.com/projects/140012-kids-and-car-safety
For more than 30 years, KACS has led the national fight for stronger vehicle safety standards and public education. But awareness alone is not enough anymore.
We need action. We need technology. And we need it now.
“Somewhere today, a parent is kissing their baby goodbye, completely unaware that a routine day could end in tragedy,” said Amber Rollins, Executive Director of Kids and Car Safety. “By the end of this summer, families across the country will be mourning children who should still be here. These deaths are preventable, but prevention requires action. A simple reminder habit, a check of the back seat, or lifesaving technology can spare a family a lifetime of grief.”
Child hot car deaths and injuries are largely misunderstood by the general public and the majority of parents believe this would never happen to them. Kids and Car Safety educates families about how to safeguard their children until they have life-saving technology in their vehicles.
Safety Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Create simple habits to help keep your child safe.
- Make sure your child is never left alone in a car:
- Place the child’s diaper bag or item in the front passenger seat as a visual cue that the child is with you.
- Make it a habit of opening the back door every time you park to ensure no one is left behind. To enforce this habit, place an item that you can’t start your day without in the back seat (employee badge, laptop, phone, handbag, etc.)
- Ask your childcare provider to call you right away if your child hasn’t arrived as scheduled.
- Clearly announce and confirm who is getting each child out of the vehicle. Miscommunication can lead to thinking someone else removed the child.
Make sure children cannot get into a parked car:
- Keep vehicles locked at all times, especially in the garage or driveway. Ask neighbors and visitors to do the same.
- Never leave car keys within reach of children.
- Use childproofing knob covers and door alarms to prevent children from exiting your home unnoticed.
- Teach children to honk the horn or turn on hazard lights if they become stuck inside a car.
- If a child is missing, immediately check the inside, floorboards and trunk of all vehicles in the area carefully, even if they’re locked.
Hot Car Resources:
Hot car dangers fact sheet
Available hot car technology
Differences between rear seat reminder alert only & occupant detectionOccupant detection technology demonstration video
Hot Car video PSAs:
What To Do if You See a Child Alone in a Vehicle
Child gets into hot car, becomes trapped
Child Unknowingly Left in a Hot Car
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