the problem
Every week a child dies in a hot car in the US when a loving parent leaves them behind unknowingly. Education and awareness are at an all-time high, yet the number of child deaths are increasing at an alarming rate. Both 2018 and 2019 saw record highs of 54 & 53 child deaths. Stress, sleep deprivation or a change of routine can trigger your brain to go on “autopilot” -- causing a parent to lose awareness of a child in the back seat of a car.
the solution
Inexpensive technology is available NOW to detect the presence of a child in a car. The HOT CARS Act directs the Secretary of Transportation to mandate this technology be placed in all new cars.
THE action needed to save lives now
The Auto Alliance recently announced a "voluntary agreement" to install rear-occupant alert systems by 2025, but the agreement is a voluntary agreement and unenforceable. Automakers are under no obligation to comply.
the support
The HOT CARS Act is supported by more than 70 national organizations -- including
American Academy of Pediatrics KidsAndCars.org, PETA, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, State Farm & Allstate Insurance, etc.
the bottom line?
Children continue to die in hot cars.
Mandated technology is the only solution.
Contact your congressperson today to make your voice heard.
Copy, Paste, UPDATE & Send this TO YOUR CONGRESSPERSON
SUBJECT: Re: Request to cosponsor the HOT CARS Act of 2019
Dear Representative (NAME),
I'm writing to you about a tragic problem which needs your leadership to resolve. Every week a child dies of heatstroke in the US when a loving parent leaves them in a car unknowingly. The past 2 years are the worst on record with 54 & 53 child deaths. Education and awareness are not enough.
Technology to detect a child’s presence inside a parked vehicle needs to be installed in all new vehicles. On June 28, 2019, The HOT CARS Act of 2019 (H.R. 3593) was introduced in the House by Representatives Tim Ryan (D-OH), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Peter King (R-NY). The HOT CARS Act requires the US Department of Transportation issue a final rule for technology that detects and alerts the presence of a child or animal come standard on all vehicles. It also sets a reasonable deadline for agency action. Occupant detection systems are readily available and cost efficient.
This bill is supported by leading insurance companies, public health, safety, consumer and law enforcement organizations as well as leading animal care and welfare organizations. When there is a reasonable solution, the death of a child is inexcusable. I urge you to co-sponsor this lifesaving bill.
With your leadership and support these tragedies can be a thing of the past.
Sincerely,
(YOUR NAME)