Automakers Warn of Dangers of Leaving Children in Hot Cars

WASHINGTON, July 31, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Despite several high-profile cases in recent weeks, American drivers still need to be reminded of the dangers of leaving children in unattended cars.  The Association of Global Automakers joins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today for a nationwide effort to educate the public through the campaign "Where's Baby? Look before you lock."

According to the NHTSA, heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash vehicle fatalities for children 14 and under. Nearly every 10 days, a child dies from being left in a hot vehicle. More than half of kids who died from vehicular heatstroke were "forgotten" by their caregiver.

"This is a 100-percent preventable tragedy," said John Bozzella, Global Automakers president and CEO. "Automakers are fully engaged in supporting NHTSA's campaign to raise awareness and save lives."

Throughout the day, Global Automakers, NHTSA, the Administration for Children and Families, and other partners tweet and post on Facebook to share facts about children in hot cars. Participants will be using the hash tags #checkforbaby and #heatstrokekills on all social media posts, and invite the public do the same.

"This campaign goes beyond parents and beyond drivers, reaching out to the American public for help," said Bozzella.  "We are also providing passers-by with information on how to act immediately if they see a child alone in a hot vehicle."

Learn more about NHTSA's "Where's Baby? Look before you lock." campaign at http://www.safercar.gov/parents/heatstroke.htm.

Download and share these facts.

The Association of Global Automakers represents international motor vehicle manufacturers, original equipment suppliers, and other automotive-related trade associations. We work with industry leaders, legislators, and regulators to create the kind of public policy that improves vehicle safety, encourages technological innovation, and protects our planet. Our goal is to foster a competitive environment in which more vehicles are designed and built to enhance Americans' quality of life. For more information, visit www.globalautomakers.org.

Contact: Annemarie Pender
202.650.5548 | [email protected]

SOURCE Global Automakers