MIAMI (WSVN) - Waze has introduced a new feature aimed at decreasing the number of children and pets left in the backseat of vehicles.
An average of 40 children die each year from heat-related deaths after being trapped inside vehicles. Children are not alone, hundreds of pets die after their owner’s forget them behind.
On Monday, Miami Beach Police were on scene at a Publix after a pet owner left their pup inside a car with the window all the way up. Luckily in this case, the owner returned to the car before temperatures possibly became dangerous. Police warn of the dangers this can cause to a human or pet’s life.
If you’d like to use this feature, just download the latest free update of the WAZE app from your app store, which also navigates you around traffic and lets you know about driving hazards, speed traps and warns you of traffic alerts.
The customizable, opt-in alert appears at the end of your ride and then reminds you to check your car before you leave. You can even customize the message to say whatever you like. For example, you can type something like, “Avoid a tragedy, don’t forget Alex in the backseat!”
To set up this feature, just go to the app’s settings: Menu > Settings > General > Child Reminder > Turn on “Allow Reminders”
“Time driving is usually spent planning next steps – what we’ll do when we reach our destination, what to make for dinner, which route to take. We hope this feature serves as a reminder to be present and remember any little ones who cannot speak up when it’s time to get out of the car,” Waze said in a news release.
For more tips on protecting your child from hot cars, click here.
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