How many tasks do you complete before leaving your driveway with your little ones? You load up the stroller, pack the diaper bag, gather snacks, drinks, books, and toys. You remember to grab extra diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes. Finally, you ensure your kids are securely fastened in their car seats. Buckling them in has become second nature.
But what if safeguarding against hot car tragedies could seamlessly become part of your routine, just like fastening seatbelts? Jane Carter, editor at carreviews.com, shares that this is her ultimate ambition.
Carter informs Home Insemination Kit that the yearly average for hot car deaths, which includes children who accidentally lock themselves inside vehicles, stands at 37. In 2017, the toll reached 43. Alarmingly, 2018 has already recorded 28 incidents, indicating it could be the deadliest year yet.
What’s behind this troubling trend? Is it simply that we’re more aware due to media coverage, or are parents today more distracted than ever before? We can speculate endlessly, but the reality remains: these incidents occur. They happen to loving parents who would do anything for their children. The stereotype of “who could forget their kids?” is outdated. If you’re still casting judgment on parents who have faced such grief, consider that they likely believed, “That could never happen to me”—until it did.
I know this all too well because it happened to me—twice. Yes, I left my infants in the car on two separate occasions. Feel free to criticize me, but I’ve already faced my own harshest judgments. Fortunately, my babies were unharmed as I realized my mistake within moments. I’m not a bad mother; I’m a devoted parent who centers my life around my children. That’s why I understand how easily this can occur.
On both occasions, I had a talkative toddler with me, making the sudden silence of a sleepy infant feel unfamiliar. During the brief 10-minute drive, I momentarily forgot the baby was there. The realization hit me hard, and I was incredibly fortunate to catch the mistake in time. I empathize with the good parents who have experienced such panic.
Instead of standing in judgment, we should take proactive steps. We’re all human, we’re all busy, and no parent is immune to tragedy. Every child deserves to come home safely.
Strategies to Prevent Hot Car Deaths
There are several strategies parents can employ to prevent hot car deaths. One effective approach is to leave personal belongings, like a purse or wallet, in the back seat. Setting phone reminders can also help. Some daycare centers have alert systems that notify parents if their child is not picked up on time. Additionally, establishing a text communication system with another parent after drop-off can offer peace of mind.
Car manufacturers are also stepping up to address the issue. General Motors introduced the Rear Seat Reminder System, which chimes when you’ve opened the back doors at the start of your journey. Nissan has developed a similar feature, the Rear Door Alert System, which notifies drivers via horn and display if the back doors were opened before the trip. This technology is currently available in the 2018 Pathfinder and will soon be in the Altima and Rogue models.
Hyundai’s Rear Occupant Alert System, found in the 2019 Santa Fe, uses movement sensors to alert drivers if someone is detected in the backseat after exiting the car. This feature is particularly beneficial for alerting parents if a toddler is left behind.
Moreover, innovative apps and car seat technologies are emerging. The Kars 4 Kids app utilizes Bluetooth to remind parents of children in the backseat, while Drivers Little Helper alerts drivers and sends notifications to their contacts if no response is received. Evenflo’s SensorSafe system connects to a car seat’s chest clip to notify parents if a child is left behind.
The key takeaway is that there are numerous options available. If you have young children who might accidentally become locked in a hot car, please take action. Consider implementing at least one of these strategies. As Jane Carter highlights, “Mix it up.” Using multiple methods is the best way to ensure safety. When shopping for a new vehicle or car seat, inquire about available technologies to protect your children from hot car tragedies. Remember, never assume it can’t happen to you.
“We work tirelessly to protect our kids in countless ways,” Carter emphasizes. “So why wouldn’t we take this threat seriously?”
Summary
Innovative technology and proactive strategies can significantly reduce the risk of hot car deaths among children. Parents are encouraged to implement reminders, utilize car safety features, and stay informed about new developments in car seat technology. By taking these steps, we can help ensure the safety of our children.