Bill seeks to protect kids in hot cars

VERNON — U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal announced Tuesday an act aimed at requiring car manufacturers to include an alert in all vehicles that reminds drivers to check for children in the back seat in the hopes of avoiding fatalities.

A news conference was held at Carter Chevrolet in Vernon with local police to discuss the proposed law which proponents say will save lives.

The proposed law, named the Helping Overcome Trauma for Children Alone in Rear Seats, or HOT CARS Act, would require all car manufacturers to include the technology in all vehicles.

Nationwide, the number of children under the age of

5 who have died after being left in hot cars increased to

52 in 2018, up from 43 in

2017, according to information provided by Blumenthal’s office.