A successful day for child advocates as proposed new law can mandate new cars to have alarms installed in their cars to alert drivers that there's a baby on board.
This comes in the heels of two children died in Phoenix after being left in hot cars.
Advocates say the new bill is a big win for them but the fight isn't over just yet.
Last week the United States Senate introduced a bill aimed at preventing hot car deaths. It would require carmakers to equip their cars with technology alerting drivers that there is a child in the back seat once the vehicle is turned off.
It could be a motion sensor similar to reminders of opened doors, trunks and no seat belts.
Advocates with Kids and Cars organization say August is the worst month out of the year.
In 2017, 30 children have died nationwide -- a 20% increase from 2016.
"Someone who isn't used to having that child with them and the child is young --- they fall asleep in the seat you can see how that might be easy for someone to forget," says Andrew Skaggs, with the Tucson Fire Department.
Some tips for caregivers:
- Leave your purse in the back seat next to the car seat
- Put your cell phone in the car seat with the baby
- Take a toy and put it in the front seat to remind you that there's a baby in the back
In Arizona, there is a state law protecting a good Samaritan for breaking a window if there is a pet or baby inside a hot car. Before doing so, call 911 before you do and stay until first responders arrive.
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