With temperatures rising and Florida having the second-highest highest number of hot car deaths in the country an Orange County mother shared the heartbreaking story of the death of her 1 year old son back in 2020. Makia Wallace says she received a call to rush to her son's school.
"My entire body went numb. The news hit me like a ton of bricks," Wallace said. "As the words echoed through my ears, 'Jace was left in the backseat of his car giver car for more than seven hours in 105 degree temperature. I'm sorry Miss. Wallace. He didn't make it.'"
Wallace says Jace is in Heaven telling her, 'Keep going, mommy." Safety advocates says it's a 100% preventable tragedy. They urge parents to keep in mind three steps: park, then look, before you lock. Orange County Sheriff John Mina says a simple action could save a life.
"You can leave items in the back seat. I know a lot of dads that leave their left shoe in the back seat. Mom's leave a purse. Here's a great idea. Get off your phone and put your phone in the back seat as well."
State law now requires that child care vehicles be equipped with safety alarms that remind drivers to check the back seat.
Image courtesy Getty