Less Children Could Die From Being Left In Hot Cars Thanks to a Florida Company's (IDEA Associates Inc.) New Device.

LAKE MARY, FL, August 25, 2010

According to a database compiled by KidsAndCars.org, there have been at least 570 tragic vehicular heat stroke deaths since 1990 as a result of children being left unattended in a hot vehicle. In 2010, there have already been 37 deaths. No parent ever thinks it's possible to leave a child alone in a vehicle, but unfortunately it continues to happen and a solution is needed now for this ongoing epidemic. Orlando-based I.D.E.A. Associates, Inc. (IDEA) has developed just that solution: an innovative new device to remind parents and caregivers when a child is left alone in a vehicle.
After years of research and development, Rob Nottage and his two business partners, Rob Munch and Kevin Miller, have created a device they call the Communication and Reminder Enhanced Seat (CARESeat). The CARESeat system brings car seats up-to-date with current technology and allows them to communicate with the vehicle's electrical systems. Mr. Nottage said, "After extensive research, we realized that a more reliable and cost-effective reminder technology system would coordinate the car seat and vehicle manufacturers' safety equipment and provide the life saving technology as standard equipment." A similar successful coordinated effort brought the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system to the market, which is now standard equipment in every vehicle; the CAREseat is easy to standardize.
The CARESeat is simple and does not require batteries or maintenance. Once a child is placed in a CARESeat-equipped car seat, the vehicle will be aware of the presence of a child. When the keys are removed from the ignition and the driver's door is opened, a multi-stage alert cycle begins. This includes the audible "Headlight On"-type chime, audible and visual panic alarms, and in equipped vehicles, provides the ability to communicate with OnStar or similar telematics operators who can then notify authorities with the exact location of the vehicle.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) chief David Strickland, the NHTSA is "looking into ways to keep children from suffering this horrible fate." He went on to say, "These really are good parents who love these kids who make a mistake that turns out to be fatal." I.D.E.A. Associates, Inc. believes that their device and methodology is a viable solution and they are entered into business discussions with car seat component manufacturers, vehicle manufacturers and child safety advocates about their CARESeat product. The ultimate goal is that, with a solution to help prevent these tragedies, the government will work diligently and as quickly as possible to put the regulations and education programs in place. Children being injured or killed in hot vehicles must become a thing of the past.