Warning Devices for Children Accidentally Left in Cars Unreliable

Every year, the heat stroke claims lives of many young children, across the country as parents accidentally leave their little ones inside the hot car.

Many products are available in the market to prevent the occurrence. But majority of them are "unreliable," federal authorities who examined the effectiveness of the products, warn parents.

The joint venture from the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) also found the devices providing a false sense of security to the parents and caregivers.

"Everything we know about child heatstroke in motor vehicles is that this can happen to anyone from any walk of life - and the majority of these cases are accidental tragedies that can strike even the most loving and conscientious parents," NHTSA Administrator David L. Strickland, said in a statement.  "While many of these products are well intended, we cannot recommend parents and caregivers rely on technology to prevent these events from occurring."

Investigators evaluated the ability of many products available in the market that are meant to signal parents when they leave their children in a parked car.

None of the products showed consistency regarding operation. The children's position, presence of liquids, electronic interference and many other factors seemed to affect the efficiency of the products. The devices also couldn't detect when children entered the vehicle without adult presence.

Heat stroke is one of the leading causes of non-crash, vehicle bound deaths reported among young children below age 14 in the United States. Since 1998, it has claimed the lives of more than 500 children across the country. Last year, 33 children died due to heat stroke and 49 in 2010.

Spreading awareness is the best way to prevent the occurrence, according to the authorities.

"With summer temperatures hitting record highs around the country child heatstroke is clearly an issue of national concern," U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, said. "Public education is the best way to help parents and caregivers prevent tragic accidents and keep their children safe."

The NHTSA authorities have put forward a list of recommendations for parents to help prevent the tragic incidence. They include:

• Never leave a child alone in a vehicle even with air condition.
• Cultivate the habit of checking inside the vehicle before locking.
• Keep a purse or cell phone in the back seat or a soft toy in driver's view to help remember about the child.

• Keep car keys out of children's reach.