More than a dozen kids have already died in hot cars this year
UPDATE 6:40 p.m.
With summer starting up, scorching hot temperatures have been a concern not only in the Coachella Valley, but all around the U.S.
According to the child advocacy group Kids and Cars, at least 15 children have died from being left in the back of a hot car. That’s triple the number compared to this time last year.
“First, it’s just a human tragedy that somebody just lost this child,” Indio Police Sergeant Dan Marshall said. “They lost their child. But, it’s also a crime.”
Marshall is one of many law enforcement officers providing tips and shedding light on an issue he said has rose in recent years, due to distracted driving.
“Technology now, we get so much information with cell phones,” Marshall said. “Your car is hooked up to your phone. You could be on the phone. There’s a lot of things that come with distracted driving, and I’m afraid that sometimes, people get wrapped up in what they got planned for the day, and they may forget about something like that.”
Marshall said some tips for people who may be travelling with young kids in the back of the car include putting personal bags or stuffed animals in the front seat, or attaching a rubber band from the door to the steering column.
“Hopefully, there will come a time where we won’t have any of these deaths,” Marshall said. “Because they are 100 percent preventable.”
Marshall said there haven’t been any reported hot car deaths in the Coachella Valley.
Precious Cargo is one example of a smart phone app that can help remind people to check and see if there’s anyone in the back seat.
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A grim reminder of the importance to remember your most precious cargo; 15 children have already died nationwide this year after shockingly being left behind in their parent’s overheated vehicles.
It doesn’t seem to be a situation that calls for a reminder, but with so many deaths reported before summer even began, local law enforcement is providing some helpful tips to residents of the Coachella Valley to make sure a similar tragedy doesn’t take place locally.
More triple digit heat is expected in the 7-Day Forecast
KESQ and CBS Local 2’s Zak Dahlheimer spoke to Indio Police Sergeant Dan Marshall on Wednesday afternoon. While many tips would seem to be obvious, Sgt. Marshall shares some interesting ideas for parents to incorporate into their busy schedules.
Watch the full report on CBS Local 2 at 5:30 p.m. and KESQ News Channel 3 at 6 p.m.
