Every week it seems like we see a story about a child who was in danger due to being left inside a hot car. Whether it was for a quick trip inside the store or misremembering that the child was in the car, children have been put in harm’s way. According to KidsAndCars.org, in 2013, there were 44 heat stroke deaths, up from 34 in 2012.
Evenflo and Wal-Mart have a new product recently available that they hope will reduce the number of heat-related deaths of children.
Evenflo, a company who designs adolescent products such as car seats, high chairs and infant carriers, is partnering with Wal-Mart in a one-year deal to sell a new car seat that will hopefully prevent car deaths of children.
The design of these new car seats will have a chip inside the harness and a receiver attached to the vehicle. If the car’s ignition is shut off with the chest clip still fastened, an alarm will sound. According to Evenflo’s website, the SensorSafe technology in the seats does not require Bluetooth or any other wireless device, and only works in vehicles that were manufactured since 2008 and run on gas/diesel.
The receiver can be moved from vehicle to vehicle as long as they are 2008 and earlier models, and run on gas or diesel. According to Evenflo, even if your child unbuckles the chest strap while the car is in motion, the SensorSafe system will sound a series of gentle tones to inform you within 30 seconds that the chest clip of the car seat is unbuckled.
The car seat costs $150, and became available online on Evenflo.com and Walmart.com in July, and will available in stores mid-August.
References:
http://evenflo.com/SensorSafe/
http://wiat.com/2015/07/27/evenflo-develops-car-seat-aimed-to-prevent-hot-car-deaths/