“I know as a parent it’s crazy hectic. There is the possibility that it slips your mind. I think it’s a great idea,” said mother of two Stephanie Sammons of Centerville. She said she recently had a loaner vehicle from a dealership that had the technology.
Since 1990, more than 800 children have died from heatstroke in hot cars — nine so far this year.
“They are tragic. I don’t blame anybody. I think as busy parents it’s just easy to get distracted,” said Dorraine Robison of Kettering, who is a mother of two.
General Motors already features rear seat reminders in many new vehicles. The technology monitors the rear doors, and will chime and display a message to alert the driver to look in the rear seats.
Miamisburg-based Evenflo has also created a car seat with an alert system. It uses a sensor in the car seat buckle and chimes to remind drivers there is a child in the car seat.
Representatives Tim Ryan (D-OH), Peter King (R-NY) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) introduced the bill at a news conference in Washington, D.C. Wednesday.
About the Author