New system helps remind parents to get kids out of hot car

Nineteen children in the U.S. have died so far this year from heatstroke after being left in a hot car.

That statistic is so frightening to one Tennessee father that he's come up with a way to try to save lives.

Gemetrica Britt is familiar with the pain of losing a child. One of her kids died from SIDS, and she doesn't want other parents to experience losing a child.

“Losing a child to me puts you in a dark place," Britt, a mother of three, said. “If there's anything we can do to put a stop to all the kids dying we need to take that initiative."

Children dying after being left in car seats in hot cars happens every year. Thirty-seven times on average in the U.S. to be exact.

That’s where Eric Nelson hopes he can be helpful.

“I kept seeing horror stories on newscasts after newscasts," Nelson said. “I know everyone's busy with their lives, running around, but our kids are the most important things we have."

That’s why Nelson created what he calls a “hot car safety kit.”  He's come up with a placard that hangs on the rear view mirror and stickers to put on the back windows. It's a visual warning system that reminds parents to check the back seat in every step of the driving process.

Nelson hopes to one day see his symbols on cars all over the place and hear how his kit helped save a life.

You can order your placard and stickers on Nelson's website: Check My Car Seat.

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