Federal lawmakers plan bill to address hot car deaths

WASHINGTON — U.S. representatives are crafting the Hot Cars Act, which would require all new vehicles to have an alert system so drivers check the back seat before leaving their car.

“No child should endure the tragedy of dying while trapped in a hot vehicle. The unfortunate reality is that even good, loving and attentive parents can get distracted," Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio said. “Cars are mandated to have seat belts, interior trunk releases, and rear backup cameras. Our legislation would move us one step closer to getting this inexpensive technology in every car on the road to help save the lives of children nationwide."

Officials said more than 800 kids died in hot cars over the last 20 years and that 48 of them died last year.

The advocacy group Kidsandcars.org. counted 52 such deaths last year. Members of the group also said there have been 34 deaths in North Carolina and 19 in South Carolina since 1990.

[Woman sentenced to 36 years in prison for hot car death of toddler]

Last week, a four-year-old died in a hot SUV between Charlotte and Columbia, South Carolina.

U.S. representatives are putting the final touches on the bill and plan to introduce it in a few weeks.

The U.S. Senate has a version of the bill, too.

“Nothing can compare with the pain of losing a loved one to a preventable tragedy,” Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, said.

Officials with the Auto Alliance, which speaks for multiple car companies, said, “The loss of any life is tragic, and greater public awareness and vigilance are absolutely crucial to help save young lives, right now, this week. The Alliance will carefully review any legislative proposals keeping in mind that fewer than 13% of new car buyers have a child six years old or younger. And with people keeping cars longer, it takes about two decades for a technology to reach all the passenger vehicles on our roads. Greater public awareness saves live today.”

Cox Media Group