By Muxin Ma, COO — Pontosense
In the United States, 37 children die from heatstroke in the back seat of a car every year. Some gain unsupervised access to a vehicle, but many are unintentionally left in the cars by loving parents and caregivers. In fact, NoHeatStroke.org claims that approximately 950 children have perished in hot cars since 1998, and over half were left behind by distracted parents or caregivers.
How emerging technology can prevent incidents of heatstroke in cars
If you think you could never leave your infant or young child in a locked car, think again. Regardless of their gender, socioeconomic background, or personality type, any parent can make this mistake any time they have a break from their usual schedule or get distracted by balancing multiple tasks simultaneously.
Fortunately, emerging technology can detect when children have been left unattended in vehicles and alert parents. The technology uses state-of-the-art sensor arrays connected to mobile apps to empower vehicles with real-time driver and passenger insights. If a child is left inside the car, the sensor detects this and sends a message. The parent then has the option to call 911 or another emergency contact right away.
The FCC waived restrictions on radar-based child detection and alert systems in April 2021. Granting this waiver at last permitted manufacturers and automakers to begin installing these systems. Today, advanced technologies can even detect movements as small as a baby's breathing.
Another type of alarm system uses seat belts to keep parents alert. When cars are in motion, dashboard messages alert drivers if children unfasten their seatbelts. When cars stop, an alert sounds to remind drivers to check their back seats and help children exit the vehicle.
Cell phone companies are also improving vehicle safety by facilitating plug-in devices that allow drivers to view a reflection of their vehicle on their dashboard screens. If the user's car is equipped with a device that checks the backseat, the phone will also sound an alarm. By 2025, manufacturers predict all new cars will be equipped with backseat safety alarms.
How education and awareness can prevent child heatstroke
As an individual, you can prevent child heatstroke in vehicles by using social media to spread the word. Don’t forget to talk about the issue with friends and family members who have children.
Tips you can share to help you and others maintain vigilance include buckling a stuffed animal in the front passenger seat when you buckle your children into the car seat, placing the diaper bag in the front seat, forming a habit of checking the back seat every time before leaving the car, and putting the car seat in the middle of the backseat to make it more visible. You can avoid distraction by keeping cell phones out of reach while driving, and you can increase focus by interacting with your child as much as possible.
How communities and individuals play a part in preventing child heatstroke
In any community, everyone can keep their eyes open for infants and children left in vehicles. If you come across a child alone in a locked car, assess the child’s condition and respond accordingly. Use the car’s color, make, and license number to page the parent in the nearest business.
If the child appears to be in immediate danger or you see symptoms of heat stroke, call the police for help. Your top concern is the child’s protection, which means you need to act swiftly.
If you need to remove the child from the car, shatter the window farthest from the child and gain entry by opening the door. If the child shows signs of heatstroke, take them to shade or air conditioning, get them to drink water, and wait for the proper authorities to arrive.
Heatstroke can be a fatal condition, and it is crucial that we all do our part in preventing it. The most effective way to do this is by raising awareness and educating others on how they can help prevent child heatstroke in vehicles.
No comments:
Post a Comment