The month of April is officially being recognized as 'Hot Car Death Prevention Month' in Florida.
That’s under a bill, HB 591, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday in an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of leaving kids behind in in cars.
“Awareness will really save lives, not just from leaving kids in hot cars but understanding the dangers of leaving that car unlock in the middle of July in Florida,” said House Representative Michelle Salzman, R-Pensacola, one of the many lawmakers who supported the measure.
Under the legislation, state and local leaders will partnering up in a statewide initiative to educate the public about the dangers and penalties associated with leaving kids unattended in cars.
The new law is called the "Ariya's Act"
It’s named after 10-month-old Ariya Paige from Baker County. She died last July after her babysitter left her in a hot car for five hours.
State Sen. Robert Brannan, R-Lake City, says Ariya’s family pushed for this law, to help save other children.
"They have one goal and that is to ensure that this never happens again to another precious little child," said Brannan. "In fact, in Florida this past year, seven children have died due to heat stroke after being left in hot cars.”
During the month of April, several state agencies like the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Health, and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor, will be holding events to teach parents and adults in Florida what to do in the event a child needs rescuing from a vehicle.
The bill takes effect on July 1, 2024.
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