Recent deaths of kids in hot cars prompt pleas to parents

The deaths of four children in hot cars in recent days has brought the number across the U.S. this year to at least 23, nearly matching the total for all of last year and prompting experts to plead for vigilance and warn parents.

“It just breaks your heart,” said Janette Fennell, founder and president of KidsAndCars.org , a national child safety nonprofit based in Philadelphia. “We’ve done so much to try to get the word out and maybe that’s why last year was down a bit.”

Four-year-old Samaria Motyka died on Friday in Williamsport, Pa., after her caregiver drove to work instead of taking her to day care.

Fennell, whose organization tracks such deaths, said the number began dramatically rising in the 1990s with the passing of laws requiring that young children be placed in the back seat to avoid airbag injuries. “The problem is, when you are out of sight, you can be out of mind,” Fennell said.