Re-introduction of U.S. HOT CARS Act – The implications for Seychelles |24 August 2018

Earlier this month, United States (U.S) senator, Richard Blumenthal, re-introduced the ‘Helping Overcome Trauma for Children Alone in the Rear Seat (HOT CARS) Act’, calling for new technology to stop children being left in hot cars (News 8; WTNH).

The Act, which would force car companies to put in technology into their vehicles to keep drivers from getting out and forgetting children in the back seats, calls for new technology to stop children from being left in hot cars.

According to senator Blumenthal in the U.S., the technology is available in some cars, but not a lot of them, and adds that little kids are especially susceptible to hot cars since their bodies cannot regulate their internal temperatures as well as adults’ bodies; hence they can get overheated when left in a car.

Cars sold in the U.S. would be required to become equipped with technology that alerts the driver if a child is left in the back seat, once the engine is turned off.

This follows stories every summer of parents leaving their children in the back seats. At times, the children are rescued in time after someone notices and alerts the police. However, on average, 37 children die from being trapped in hot cars every year in the U.S. 

Considering our local tropical climate, the Seychelles NATION spoke to the official distributors for Hyundai in Seychelles - PMC Auto, to gain their views on the matter and its implications, if any, for our islands.

Hyundai Seychelles - PMC Auto is an established motor vehicle company which has been operating in Seychelles, representing Hyundai for over fifteen years. As Hyundai has by far the largest share of the local vehicles market, it is interesting to see what their views are on this subject.

When asked about any records of children being affected from being left in hot cars in Seychelles, Hyundai Seychelles explains that it is not aware of any specific ones, but there may well be unreported cases for which the clinics may have information.

It adds that it is important to remember nonetheless that the average temperature in Seychelles is one which most definitely has the potential to affect children who are left in cars, and that the high humidity in the country would increase this possibility.

For this reason, the company believes that eventually, future technologies may evolve in order to address this since it will be necessary for cars in Seychelles to also become equipped with the same technology as being proposed in the U.S., that is when it becomes commercially feasible and with regulatory evolution on safety.

The accompanying diagram explains how exactly this new technology would work.

In the meantime, it suggests that as part of general road safety education, it would be highly desirable to publicise the dangers of being casual about this practice, especially for younger parents or inexperienced drivers, but equally for all vehicle owners, despite it being common sense for most people.

It is advisable that car owners/parents take all necessary precaution not to leave small children or even pets for this matter in closed cars that are parked in the sun while they run their errands.