7 On Your Side: New technology helps prevent hot car deaths

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Since 2010, over 220 children have died of heatstroke after being trapped inside vehicles. But new technology aims to help prevent that from happening.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- There is new technology that can now prevent hot car deaths.

Even when the temperature outside is only 70 degrees, the temperature inside a car can quickly heat to over 120 degrees.

Since 2010, over 220 children have died of heatstroke after being trapped inside vehicles. That's according to Kidsandcars.dot.org.

Consumer Reports evaluated new technology built into an Evenflo infant seat that may help. It's called SensorSafe and is designed to chime as soon as the car is turned off if a child is still buckled in the seat.

The smart chest clip is activated when it's buckled and the car is in motion. It communicates with a wireless receiver you plug directly into the onboard diagnostic port. "If your car is model year 2008 or newer, the standard receiver will work, but if you have a hybrid vehicle or your car stops and starts when idling, then you need to get the alternate receiver," Consumer Reports spokesperson Emily Thomas said.

Consumer Reports tested SensorSafe in 25 different cars. It worked in most vehicles but not all of them. "The SensorSafe technology isn't perfect yet, but it definitely shows promise. We believe that the best reminder technology is going to be one that's integrated either into your vehicle or into your child safety seat and Evenflo has provided a solution."

It's another measure of safety to keep your precious cargo safe.

Consumer Reports is published by Consumers Union. Both Consumer Reports and Consumers Union are not-for-profit organizations that accept no advertising. Neither has any commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor on this site.