WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Despite warnings, whether by law enforcement, health officials, or tragic news stories across the country, children are still being left in cars in hot weather.
In total, 29 children have been killed in 2016 due to being left in a hot car.
Now, legislators are proposing a bill that would helped curb the issue nationwide.
The Helping Overcome Trauma for Children Alone in Rear Seats Act (HOT CARS Act ) is being proposed by lawmakers, doctors, and activists, including U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-9th IL).
The bill would requirie technology that alerts the driver there's a passenger in the rear seat. Proponent of the bill argue that, "cars already have numerous consumer reminder systems covering components such as headlights, keys, doors and seatbelts. Technology is capable of detecting unattended passengers and also reminding and alerting parents of a child left behind in a vehicle."
They add that a majority of heat-related deaths in cars happen to kids whose parents are otherwise caring and responsible, but "unknowingly leave their child behind in the car as the result of a change in routine, simple distractions, stress or fatigue."
