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Hot Cars Act May Help Stop 'Forgotten Baby Syndrome'

Dean Wissing via Flickr

A bill  before lawmakers in Congress would require car makers install technology reminding drivers when a child is in the back seat. It’s a move to help prevent the occurrence of “forgotten baby syndrome,” where a child is accidentally left in a car as potentially fatal temperatures soar. The “Hot Cars” Act is getting bi-partisan support since it was unveiled earlier this month in Washington DC. 

One of the people in attendance at that ceremony was Dr. David Diamond from the University of South Florida. He’s a leading researcher in the neurobiology of “forgotten baby syndrome,” and he joins the show to address the question that rushes to mind when a child is left in a hot car: “How can a parent forget their child? How is that possible?”

Also joining the program is Sally Kreuscher, Safe Kids Coordinator with Golisano Children's Hospital, about the year-round threat we face here in Southwest Florida when it comes to this and similar heat-related issues.

Matthew Smith is a reporter and producer of WGCU’s Gulf Coast Live.
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