Washington – Devices that notify parents if they forget a child in their parked motor vehicle are “inconsistent and unreliable” as standalone heatstroke preventions, according to a study (.pdf file) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Researchers evaluated a sampling of the devices and determined:
- Notification signals were susceptible to interference from other electronic devices.
- The devices may provide a false sense of security and prevent parents from reminding themselves independently.
- The devices were deactivated by a child slumping or being seated out of position.
- “Considerable” effort is required to set up and ensure the devices operate effectively.
Researchers recommended that the devices be supplemented by education and awareness campaigns targeted to all parents. According to a NHTSA press release, heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash vehicle deaths for children younger than 14.
