New Evenflo car seat alerts parents if child left in car

Almost 40 kids die every year after being left in a hot car but now there's new technology designed to prevent such tragedies.

Parents and caregivers can't imagine they could accidentally forget a child in their car. But it does happen - sometimes with tragic results.

It does happen all too often, children dying of heatstroke after being left inside a vehicle.

So Consumer Reports just evaluated something called SensorSafe to see if it can help.

Even when the temperature outside is only 70 degrees, the temperature inside a car can quickly heat to over 120 degrees.

Since 2010, over 220 children have died of heatstroke after being trapped inside vehicles. That's according to KidsAndCars.org.

Consumer Reports evaluated new technology built into this Evenflo infant seat that may help. It's called SensorSafe and is designed to chime as soon as the car is turned off if a child is still buckled in the seat.

The smart chest clip is activated when it's buckled and the car is in motion. It communicates with a wireless receiver you plug directly into the on board diagnostic port.

"If your car is model year 2008 or newer, the standard receiver will work, but if you have a hybrid vehicle or your car stops and starts when idling, then you need to get the alternate receiver," said Consumer Reports' Emily Thomas.

Consumer Reports tested SensorSafe in 25 different cars. It worked in most vehicles but not all of them.

"The SensorSafe technology isn't perfect yet, but it definitely shows promise. We believe that the best reminder technology is going to be one that's integrated either into your vehicle or into your child safety seat and Evenflo has provided a solution," said Thomas.

It's another measure of safety to keep your precious cargo safe.

Consumer Reports says before you buy a seat with SensorSafe, try it in your car to be sure it connects and chimes when you turn off the motor.

If you're having problems installing the system, call Evenflo's ParentLink at 800-233-5921 to notify them of the issue.

In another effort to prevent vehicular heat stroke deaths, General Motors unveiled a rear-seat reminder feature available in 2017 GMC Acadias.

CLICK HERE for more information on the Evenflo SensorSafe from Consumer Reports.