NHTSA/CHOP study on hyperthermia prevention devices

[crunchierthanthou]

NHTSA commissioned the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to evaluate devices designed to prevent children being left in vehicles.

Press release- http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Pr...ct+Children+Left+in+Vehicles+Are+Not+Reliable


summary of findings-

The results of the study released today indicated limitations in currently available technology and products designed to detect children left behind in vehicles. Among a range of technological limitations are inconsistencies in arming sensitivity; variations in warning signal distance; potential interference with the devices' notification signals from other electronic devices; susceptibility of the systems to misuse scenarios involving spilled liquid beverages; and disarming of the devices due to a slumping or otherwise out-of-position child.

In addition, many of the products required extensive efforts by parents and caregivers to set-up, monitor, and operate, which could give parents and caregivers using the devices a false sense of security. The technologies would also not address the 20-40 percent of children who are killed when they gain access to the vehicle without an adult present or are not in child restraints, since the devices are child restraint based.

 

[ketchupqueen]

I saw that, and thought it probably feel into the NSS category. They didn't study the effectiveness of products that serve as a reminder for the driver instead, right? I have a feeling those might be more effective (though still wouldn't prevent those unlocked car deaths...)