Forgotten in Hot Cars: Families Call for Better Technology
Across the U.S., families are pleading for advanced technology to prevent children from dying in hot cars. The issue, tragically, is far too common.
Three years ago, Tyler Cestia experienced an unimaginable tragedy. He accidentally left his 2-and-a-half-year-old son, Thomas, in his truck on a hot summer day, resulting in the child’s death.
Cestia recounted a series of factors that led to this horrific event. He wasn’t originally scheduled to drop Thomas off that day, the child was in a car seat that was out of his view, he was recovering from COVID-induced brain fog, and he was preoccupied with work. When he finally realized what happened, it was too late.
His wife, Pamela, received the devastating phone call and rushed to the scene. She shared her struggle to grasp the situation, admitting that before her experience, she was judgmental of parents who forgot their children. Now, she understands that it can happen to anyone due to a change in routine or other distractions.
Hot car deaths aren’t rare. Each year, an average of 38 children die from heatstroke in vehicles. Over the last three decades, more than 1,000 children have died in these incidents. Most deaths occur during the summer months, but these tragedies happen in nearly every state.
Janette Fennell, co-founder of Kids and Car Safety, noted that the trend of forgetting children in cars increased after dual front airbags became common and car seats were moved to the back seat for safety. She explains that this change wasn’t accompanied by adequate systems to notify people if children are left unattended in vehicles.
Companies have responded to this crisis by developing safety systems that can alert drivers to check their back seats. The 2021 infrastructure law mandates rear seat reminder alerts in all new passenger vehicles starting with the 2025 model year.
However, Fennell believes that the current law and technology don’t go far enough. She points out that reminder systems alone haven’t prevented all deaths.
The Cestias’ truck had the technology mandated by the law, but their system used door logic — it only triggered an alert if the back door had been opened. They realized this system offered a false sense of security.
The Cestias are advocating for the widespread adoption of more advanced radar systems that detect movement. These systems can even recognize a baby’s breathing.
Tyler Warga, from automotive technology supplier Bosch, explains how radar technology can detect the presence of life because it senses subtle chest movements. This is a significant improvement over reminder systems.
Some models, such as Hyundai’s Genesis, offer an advanced rear occupant alert system that uses radar and sends warnings even when the parent isn’t near the car.
While the Alliance for Automotive Innovation acknowledges the potential of radar technology, it also notes the cost concerns. Hilary Cain from the group argues that providing various technological options allows consumers who don’t need or want advanced features to select less expensive models.
Government documents reveal the radar upgrade would cost car buyers as little as $20. The Cestias remain determined, emphasizing there is better safety technology available, and there is no reason for another parent to endure their pain.
