JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Automakers are joining forces to help prevent car deaths in overheated cars..
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the Association of Global Automakers say that by the year 2025, rear-seat reminder alerts could come standard in most vehicles.
While some parents applaud the move, child advocacy groups say it’s not enough.
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This is especially a problem here in Florida, where even in October, temperatures inside a car could quickly reach triple digits.
Willameana Williams knows that she’s got precious cargo every time she’s with her grandson.
So, when she hears about kids dying in hot cars, it breaks her heart.
“I mean to forget that your child is in the car and walk away, that’s a little crazy,” said Williams.
Many don’t believe it could ever happen to them, but child advocacy groups say all it takes is one distraction.
KidsandCars.org said so far this year, 48 children have died in hot cars in the United States.
This past May, an infant was found dead inside a day care van in Jacksonville.
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It’s because of cases like these that two major trade groups have teamed up to prevent more deaths.
Local mom Danielle Pressey said any little bit helps.
“It would be amazing if they actually had a car that could pre-warn you that ‘hey look this is what you need to do’,” said Pressey.
The alerts would be visual and audible, reminding parents to check the back seat when they turn off the car.
Some automakers already offer similar features.
But some child advocacy groups said they’d like to see automakers take it a step further like having motion detection technology.
They say when the car is turned off the alerts don't work, and there is also the problem of kids getting into unlocked cars and trapping themselves inside.
Williams said the current push for more safety features is a good first step that she believes could help save a life.
“That will close the deal on a lot of car buying,” she said.
Cox Media Group
