Middle Tenn. - With summer temperatures beginning to climb across Tennessee, state leaders and safety advocates are once again urging parents and caregivers to take extra precautions to prevent children from being left inside hot vehicles.
Tre Hargett, Scott Cepicky, the Tennessee Department of Health, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and AAA are encouraging Tennesseans to participate in the state’s free “Baby in the Back” car hangtag program, designed to help prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths involving children.
“This program is one meaningful way we can continue raising awareness about the dangers of heat-related illnesses and deaths among Tennessee’s youngest citizens,” Secretary Hargett stated. “I appreciate Rep. Cepicky for his leadership and continued partnership on this important effort, and I am grateful to the Department of Health, the Department of Safety’s Highway Safety Office, and AAA for working together to help prevent these heartbreaking tragedies.”
Representative Cepicky first introduced the “Baby in the Back” concept to Secretary Hargett several years ago. Since the initiative launched, more than 600,000 Tennesseans have requested the free hangtags.
“Baby in the Back was created with the simple goal of protecting children in Tennessee from heartbreaking and preventable tragedy,” Rep. Cepicky said. “This program is raising awareness and promoting safer habits for parents across our state by providing a clear visual reminder of the precious life in their vehicles.”
The hangtags are intended to serve as a visual reminder for drivers to check the back seat before exiting and locking their vehicles, particularly during periods of extreme heat. Officials say the tags can also alert bystanders to check a vehicle if a child appears to be left inside.
“On a sunny day over 80 degrees, a vehicle can heat up to more than 130 or 140 degrees in a short period of time, creating serious medical risks,” said Tennessee Department of Health Deputy Commissioner Dr. Tobi Adeyeye Amosun. “The ‘Baby in the Back’ hangtag is a simple reminder that can help save children’s lives.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an average of one child dies from heatstroke approximately every 10 days in the United States after either being left in a vehicle or gaining access to an unlocked car.
“The Tennessee Highway Patrol is proud to support the ‘Baby in the Back’ program and partner with agencies across Tennessee to help protect children and raise awareness about the dangers of heat-related deaths,” said Major Travis Plotzer. “The program serves as a tremendous reminder to always check the back seat and help prevent an unthinkable tragedy.”
AAA also emphasized the importance of awareness during the busy summer travel season.
“No family should have to endure the loss of a child in a hot car,” said Megan Cooper, Public Affairs and Government Relations Consultant for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “These tragedies often happen in moments of distraction, not intent, which is why we’re proud to support efforts that keep this issue in front of parents and caregivers.”
Tennesseans can request free “Baby in the Back” hangtags online through the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Office at Tennessee Baby in the Back Request Page.
The Tennessee Department of Safety will also distribute the hangtags at Driver Services Centers, Tennessee Highway Patrol District Headquarters, and upcoming Tennessee Highway Safety Office events, including child car seat checkpoints.
