With temperatures rising and South Florida under a heat advisory, advocates are calling for technological upgrades to prevent deaths of children and vulnerable individuals in hot cars. The tragic story of Sue Boe’s 5-month-old granddaughter, who died in an overheated vehicle in 2006, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by soaring temperatures.
Boe never thought such a tragedy could happen to her family until the day her husband broke the devastating news of their granddaughter’s death. The incident occurred on a day when there was a change in routine, and Kate’s mother, Andrea Boe, forgot to drop her off at daycare. It wasn’t until later that afternoon, when she went to pick Kate up, that they realized the heartbreaking truth.
In a more recent case, an 18-month-old girl lost her life after being left in a hot car following an Independence Day party in Polk County. The parents in this case are now facing felony charges, as both tested positive for alcohol and marijuana, with the father also having methamphetamine in his system.
Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety, led by President Cathy Chase, are pushing for alert and detection technology to be installed in vehicles. They emphasize the need for comprehensive coverage throughout the interior of cars, not just the backseat. Even with cracked windows, temperatures can surpass 100 degrees, turning vehicles into deadly ovens.
The Hot Cars Provision was included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which became law in November 2021. This provision requires the U.S. Department of Transportation to establish a rule mandating technology that alerts individuals when a child is left in the backseat. However, the Department of Transportation has yet to take action to advance this rule, despite the imminent November deadline.
Chase highlights the need for detection technology alongside alert systems. Approximately 25% of children who perish in hot car incidents manage to climb into the vehicle on their own. The law does not stipulate specific technologies but rather sets minimum standards for companies to develop and implement these life-saving measures.
Sue Boe believes that advancements in technology and other preventative measures can save lives, stressing that even a moment away from a vehicle in rising temperatures can be fatal. She urges parents not to leave their children unattended, even for a brief errand.
The campaign to prevent hot car deaths seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of heat, particularly for vulnerable individuals in vehicles. The ultimate goal is to implement effective technological solutions to avoid further tragedies.
In conclusion, the heartbreaking experiences of Sue Boe and recent cases of child deaths in hot cars underscore the urgent need for action. Advocates are pushing for the prompt implementation of alert and detection technology in vehicles to prevent such tragedies. While progress has been made in legislation, immediate action is necessary to save lives and protect vulnerable individuals from the deadly effects of overheated vehicles.
