“The temperature can go up 20 degrees in about 10 minutes in a closed car and that’s not even out in direct sunlight. Statistics show about every nine days, one child dies from heat stroke from being left in a vehicle, unfortunately. Because of this and we are just trying to save more lives,” Conaway said.
Using a standard radio frequency, information is transmitted between a Sensor Safe plug inserted into the vehicles on-board diagnostics port under the steering column, and the chest buckle on the car seat, Conway said.
“As soon as you turn your car on and start driving at a speed of five mph for 30 seconds, it is activated. It works through the chest clip in the harness of the Embrace car seat. You get to your destination and you turn the car off, you will hear a series of melodic tones to remind you that the child is in the backseat,” Conway said.
Thave been 11 heatstroke deaths involving children left in hot cars in the U.S. in 2015; 30 deaths were reported in 2014, according to data compiled by San Jose State University.
Christy Long of Bellbrook, a mother of two, said the statistics are alarming.
“It’s gut wrenching. I hold my baby and it makes me cry,” Long said.
Long said the car seat with alarm is a great idea for busy parents.
“It’s worth the inconvenience and the annoyance of a beep to save your child’s life,” said Long.
The Embrace DLX car seat is available now at Walmart.com for $149.88, and will be available in stores in mid-August.
The OBD ports are only available in vehicles 2008 or newer.
Evenflo was acquired in June 2014 by Goodbaby International Holdings Ltd. for $143 million. The company employs about 660 workers, and more than half of those are at operations in Miamisburg and Piqua.
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