Press Releases
2023
3 Children Died in Hot Cars Last Week – 5/30/23
Harrowing Hot Car Tragedy Recounted in Mother’s Memoire – 5/4/23
Hot Car Regulation Needed ASAP, Enough is Enough – 5/1/23
Media Advisory: Grieving Families Demand End to Hot Car Deaths – 4/28/23
2022
Kids and Car Safety Applauds U.S. Senator Blumenthal for the STOP Frontovers Act – 10/25/22
4 Children Die in Hot Cars in 1 Week – 8/17/22
Hot car death murder conviction overturned by Georgia Supreme Court – 6/23/22
Kids and Car Safety Cautions Families as Temperatures Soar & Hot Car Deaths Continue – 6/22/22
Texas Father Recounts Horrific Mistake in New Book 7 Years Later – 6/9/22
Hot Car Technology Needed ASAP – 4/28/22
- Watch recording of 4/28/22 press event HERE
- Media Advisory: Hot Car Technology Needed ASAP– 4/26/22
Missouri worst in the nation for roadway safety policies – 1/23/2022
Father Serving Life Sentence Appeals in Georgia Supreme Court Next Week – 1/14/2022
2021
NEW Documentary: Hot car death trial, tragic mistake or murder? – 12/7/2021
As children die, Senate celebrates “bipartisan victory”? – 8/10/2021
Kids and Car Safety Applauds Passage of the INVEST in America Act – 7/1/2021
Media Advisory: Schakowsky, Colleagues, Advocates Highlight INVEST In America Act – 6/29/21
#HotCarsKill – Kids and Car Safety partnering with PETA to save lives – 6/8/21
MEDIA ADVISORY: Childproof Your Ride press conference tomorrow – 5/18/21
The Hot Cars Act Reintroduced Today – 5/12/2021
MEDIA ADVISORY: The Hot Cars Act Press Conference – 5/11/2021
First Hot Car Death of 2021 – 4/29/2021
FCC grants waiver for technology to prevent hot car deaths – 3/15/2021
FCC Press Release: FCC PERMITS HOT-CAR SENSORS TO SAVE CHILDREN – 3/14/2021
Alarming number of cars stolen with children inside – 3/9/2021
2020
Pandemic’s Impact on Hot Car Deaths an Ongoing Concern – 8/19/2020
Technology Solutions to End Hot Car Deaths – 7/28/2020
- Video Recording: KidsAndCars.org Virtual Event – Demonstrating Technology that will Save Children’s Lives – 7/28/2020
Pandemic Increases Risk of Children Dying in Hot Cars – 7/22/2020
- 7/1/20 – Letter from parents affected by hot car incidents to Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Elaine Chao
- 7/1/20 – Video of Representative Jan Schakowsky’s remarks on the hot car issue
- 6/30/20 – Video of Senator Blumenthal reading excerpts from parent’s letter to the Senate Commerce Committee
- 6/29/20 – Letter from parents affected by hot car incidents to Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Cantwell and Senator Blumenthal
Technology to Stop Hot Car Tragedies Readily Available – 7/1/20
Press Teleconference: The Motor Vehicle Safety Title to the Moving Forward Act (H.R. 2) announced on June 22, 2020 by the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce
- Joint Statement: The Motor Vehicle Safety Title Advances Important Technology and Programs that will Save Lives, Reduce Injuries and Contain Crash Costs – 6/22/2020
- Teleconference Audio Recording
- Notable Quotes from press teleconference
- Media Alert: Press Teleconference Tomorrow… hot car prevention, push-button ignition shut off and more – 6/22/2020
Wash your hands, wash your handles – 3/31/2020
The Risks of COVID-19 In & Around Your Vehicle – 3/12/2020
2019
Worst October in History for Child Hot Car Tragedies – 10/16/2019
8 Hot Car Tragedies in the last 15 Days… ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! – 10/2/2019
Auto Association’s voluntary agreement falls short, children’s lives on the line – 9/4/2019
10 Child Hot Car Deaths in 20 Days – 8/19/2019
Grieving Families Challenge GM to Fulfill Its Promise to Prevent Hot Car Deaths – 8/13/2019
KidsAndCars.org Pushes for Technology to Stop Hot Car Tragedies on National Heatstroke Prevention Day – 7/31/2019
Already 17 Children Have Died in Hot Cars in 2019 – 7/2/2019
Hot Cars Act of 2019 Introduced in U.S. House – 7/1/2019
Infant dies in van during a DC press event on hot car deaths – 5/23/2019
KidsAndCars.org Congressional Testimony (view video here) – 5/23/02019
Hot Cars News Conference (5/22) (view video here) – 5/21/2019
Stronger Summertime Safeguards Are Needed – 5/20/2019
New Law Protects Citizens from Liability in Hot Car Rescues – 5/17/2019
Tomorrow is National Heatstroke Prevention Day – 4/15/2019
Appalling Reality – Hot Car Deaths at an All-Time High (Statement by Janette Fennell, president & founder of KidsAndCars.org) – 4/10/2019
‘Childproof Your Ride’ Program Launched Today – 3/20/2019
2 Children Die, 1 Survives After Left Alone in SUV that Rolled into Creek – 3/11/2019
2018 Officially the Worst Year in U.S. History for Child Hot Car Deaths – 1/29/2019
2018
Holiday Gift Ideas That Save Kids Lives – 12/5/2018
Deaths of Louisville Father, Toddler Show Danger of Carbon Monoxide – 11/30/2018
Tomorrow is National Heatstroke Prevention Day – 7/30/2018
Hot Car Deaths on Track for Deadliest Year in U.S. History – 7/23/2018
21 U.S. Children Have Died in Hot Cars in 2018 – 7/3/2018
First Day of Summer, Already 16 Child Hot Car Deaths in U.S. – 6/21/2018
Rearview cameras FINALLY become standard on ALL new vehicles – 4/30/2018
KidsAndCars.org Urges Governor Coyler to Sign Hot Cars Bill – 4/2/18
First Child Dies in Hot Car – 3/1/18
2017
KidsAndCars.org announces alliance with Animal Care Organizations to save lives – 10/26/17
Safety Advocates Applaud Bipartisan Support for Technology to Prevent Hot Car Deaths – 10/4/17
New Study Released on Nontraffic Injuries and Fatalities in Young Children – 9/27/2017
JUST IN… Victory for Parents and Children! – 9/6/2017
Families Harmed by Deregulation Blast the Regulatory Accountability Act – 8/20/2017
HOT CARS Act of 2017 Introduced Today in the U.S. Senate to Prevent Child Heatstroke Deaths in Cars – 7/31/2017
Media Advisory: HOT CARS Act of 2017 – S.1666 MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL -7/31/2017
Parents and safety advocates urge action by U.S. DOT to prevent hot car tragedies – 7/28/2017
KidsAndCars.org praises news station KSHB for locating abducted toddler abandoned in stolen car – July 14, 2017
HOT CARS Act of 2017 Introduced Today Will Prevent Child Heatstroke Deaths by Getting Much-Needed Technology into Vehicles – June 7, 2017
Media Advisory: HOT CARS Act of 2017 – June 5, 2017
National Child Vehicular Heatstroke Awareness and Prevention Day is April 26 – April 24, 2017
2016
48% Increase of Child Heatstroke Deaths in Cars – October 7, 2016
44% Increase of Child Heatstroke Deaths in Cars – October 6, 2016
HOT CARS Act of 2016 Introduced Today Will Prevent Child Heatstroke Deaths by Getting Much-Needed Technology into Vehicles – September 15, 2016
Media Advisory: New Legislation Introduced Today to Get Technology into Vehicles to Prevent Child Heatstroke Deaths. 29 children killed already this year in hot cars. – September 15, 2016
National Child Vehicular Heatstroke Prevention & Awareness Day on July 31 brings urgent call for technology solution – July 28, 2016
KidsAndCars.org applauds GM’s new technology as an important step in avoiding child heatstroke deaths – June 11, 2016
BREAKING NEWS Another baby died today on Heat Stroke Awareness Day; 11th tragedy this year – June 8, 2016
Infant Dies 2 Days Before National Child Vehicular Heatstroke Prevention Day – June 8, 2016
National Child Vehicular Heatstroke Prevention Day tomorrow, June 8 – June 7, 2016
SAVE-THE-DATE: National Heatstroke Prevention & Awareness Day, June 8 – May 27, 2016
2015
Keyless ignition-unintended consequences can be deadly – December 22, 2015
Worst Anti-Safety Highway Reauthorization Bill Slammed. Members of Congress, Safety and Consumer Advocates, and Crash Victims to Unveil Specific Changes to Fix It – November 9, 2015
How many more children must die before NHTSA does it’s job? – July 31, 2015
KidsAndCars.org applauds Carrie Underwood for speaking out about her terrifying experience this weekend – July 13, 2015
KidsAndCars.org, American Gaming Association and Congressional Fire Services Institute to promote National Heat Awareness Day – May 22, 2015
2014
Give the gift of safety, recommends KidsAndCars.org; Child safety group teams with Operation Safe Road™to offer rearview cameras at discounted prices – December 16, 2014
KidsAndCars.org welcomes Alex Jacky, 8, as first Junior Advocate – September 29, 2014
Statement of Janette Fennell, President of KidsAndCars.org – September 2, 2014
KidsAndCars.org Announces Partnership with American Gaming Association During Responsible Gaming Education Week – August 5, 2014
PCI Hosts Policy Briefing with NHTSA, IIHS, KidsandCars.Org, ITSA, and Progressive on Innovation and Auto Safety – July 30, 2014
Take Precautions to Protect Children from Extreme Heat – July 22, 2014
Centerpoint Medical Center Partners with KidsAndCars.org to Remind Parents to ‘Look Before You Lock’ – June 25, 2014
KidsAndCars.org Launches White House Petition Drive to Prevent Needless Child Deaths in Hot Vehicles – July 14, 2014
KidsAndCars.org, Ray Ray’s Pledge to promote National Heat Awareness Day May 23 – May 23, 2014
Government Finally Issues Rear Visibility Safety Rule for Vehicles, Will Save Lives After Years of Needless Delay – March 31, 2014
Media Advisory: Court To Hear Argument on Obama Administration’s Failure to Issue Auto Safety Rule Mandated by Congress as Fatalities Continue to Mount – March 28, 2014
2013
KidsAndCars.org to mark Heat Stroke Prevention Day on July 31 – July 29, 2013
May 2013 nearly doubles average number of child heatstroke deaths in vehicles, 7 children die in hot cars in 4 states in 16-day period – June 3, 2013
Families of Children Killed in Car Backover Incidents and Safety Groups Urge Obama Administration to Take Action on Rearview Cameras in Cars – April 11, 2013
2012
3 More Children Die in Hot Cars, reports KidsAndCars.org – 11 Children Have Died in August – A Total of 26 This Year – August 28, 2012
KidsAndCars.org founder speaks at NHTSA press conference Aug. 22 at Children’s Mercy Hospital – August 22, 2012
8 Children in 4 States Die in Hot Cars in 6 Day Period, reports KidsAndCars.org – August 8, 2012
7 Children in 4 States Die in Hot Cars in 5 Day Period, reports KidsAndCars.org – August 7, 2012
KidsAndCars.org says rulemaking delay on child backover deaths disappointing – February 29, 2012
2011
Memory and Brain Expert Addresses Federal Government on “Forgotten Baby Syndrome” to help prevent hot car tragedies – Sept 23, 2011
Mom tells about son’s death in hot car to help prevent similar tragedies – Raleigh, NC – Sept. 21, 2011
Parents recount heartbreaking incidents to help prevent hot car tragedies – Sacramento, CA – Aug. 31, 2011
KidsAndCars.org president to speak at July 26 event – July 25, 2011
KidsAndCars.org launches national safety awareness program for hospitals to educate new parents about heat stroke danger – July 13, 2011
KidsandCars.org again demands that GM recall cars to retrofit with internal trunk releases – June 20, 2011
KidsAndCars.org warns against leaving children in hot vehicles this summer – June 8th, 2011
2010
No More Backing Blind – December 3, 2010
Four month-old is 11th baby to die in Texas this year and 11th Heat-related Vehicular Death in August Nationwide – August 26, 2010
2009
New Data Contests NHTSA Findings, Exposes Real Danger of Vehicle Power Windows – Nov. 2, 2009
New report undercounts statistics regarding children left behind in hot cars – September 6, 2009
CHILD AND ANIMAL PROTECTION GROUPS ISSUE WARNING AFTER TOTS ARE LEFT IN CAR – August 28, 2009
KidsAndCars.org calls for General Motor vehicles to be recalled and retrofitted with internal trunk releases – June 18, 2009
KidsAndCars.org Research Validated by Federal Government Report – January 28, 2009
2008
Consumer, Safety Advocates Join With Victims To Celebrate New Law Protecting Children In And Around Motor Vehicles – April 9, 2008
Sununu Honored For Work In Helping To Enact Child Car Safety Bill – April 9, 2008
Safe Guards Protecting Children in and Around Vehicles Becomes Law – February 29, 2008
Clinton Hails Final Passage Of Kids And Cars Safety Legislation; Meets With Affected Ohio Family – February 15, 2008
CLINTON AND DINGELL HAIL FINAL PASSAGE OF KIDS AND CARS SAFETY LEGISLATION NOW ON ITS WAY TO BE SIGNED INTO LAW – February 14, 2008
Parents, Consumer and Safety Groups Applaud House Committee Action Today for Passing the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Act – February 14, 2008
2007
Child Safety Bill Sponsored by Representatives Schakowsky (D-IL) and King (R-NY) Clears House Committee Hurdle – December 18, 2007
California trauma teams unite to reduce child injuries and deaths due to vehicle backovers – May 21, 2007
Sen. Stevens Co-Sponsors Legislation to Improve Child Safety Features in Automobiles – March 1, 2007
2006
Safety Groups Saddened By News of Detroit Child Strangled In Power Window – December 22, 2006
Leader of KIDS AND CARS recognized by Safe Kids Kansas – December 13, 2006
A FIVE SECOND WALK COULD SAVE A CHILD’S LIFE – November 16, 2006
Government Vehicle Backover Report Confirms Urgent Need for Visibility Safety Standard – November 14, 2006
Motor Vehicle Dangers That Are An Easy Fix Continue to Kill and Injure Children – September 6, 2006
Safety Groups Encouraged By Auto Industry-Government agreement to help end danger of runaway vehicles – August 21, 2006
Safety Advocates Line Up Backing for Technology Law – July 1, 2006
Safety Groups Win Decision to Make Power Windows Less Dangerous for Children, But Government Says “No” to Fail Safe Technology to Eliminate Problem – April 13, 2006
Child Safety Advocates Join Victims On Capitol Hill To Push For Passage of Tougher Laws To Keep Children Safe In And Around Cars – March 9, 2006
2005
Senator Clinton, Child Safety Advocates Join To Help Families Protect Children In And Around Vehicles During the Holidays – December 30, 2005
Senator Clinton Announces Legislation To Protect Children In And Around Vehicles – Oct. 31, 2005
Consumer, Safety Groups Applaud Important Child-Car Safety Measures Approved in Today’s Highway Bill – July 29, 2005
Lawmakers Must Keep Life-Saving Auto Safety Improvements in Highway Bill, Public Safety Groups, Survivor Advocates Say – July 21, 2005
Three Children Killed Each Week in Preventable Auto-Related Deaths Focus of Coalition’s Campaign – May 24, 2005
Safety Groups Lament Gaps In Projected Auto Fatalities – April 21, 2005
2004
Advocates Demands GM Pull Ad Of Children Driving Corvettes – August 25, 2004
2003
HitchCAM & Kids And Cars Promote SUV/Child Safety Synergy at SEMA 2003 – October 31, 2003
Power Windows in American-made Automobiles Blamed for Children’s Deaths and Injuries – August 14, 2003
2001
KidsAndCars.org Warns Parents Not to Leave Children Unattended in or around
Motor Vehicles – May 31, 2001