Do You Look Before You Lock?

Children and pets are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke because their body temperatures rise much faster than adults. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise dramatically in a short amount of time, even on relatively mild days, making it a dangerous environment for anyone left inside. Heatstroke can occur quickly, leading to serious health consequences, including death. Some automakers include rear occupant alert systems to address concerns over children and pets being left unattended in vehicles. These systems are designed to remind drivers to check the back seat before exiting their car. Always check the back seat: before exiting the vehicle Develop a routine: where you physically look in the back seat every time you exit. Place a vital item: like your phone or purse in the back seat to remind yourself to look before you lock. In Pennsylvania a piece of legislation that was signed a few years s ago called the “Motor Vehicle Extreme Heat Protection Act” better known as the “Hot Car Bill.” The bill went into effect in December 2018. This allows law enforcement or emergency personnel to break into a person’s car if they have a good-faith and reasonable belief that a person or animal is imminent danger if not immediately removed.