Toddler Rescued from Tesla in Heat Wave: Safety Concerns Raised

Toddler Rescued from Tesla in Heat Wave: Safety Concerns Raised

Category: News

Toddler Rescued from Tesla in Heat Wave | Mr. Business Magazine

A recent incident in Phoenix, Arizona, highlighted serious safety concerns after a toddler was trapped inside a Tesla Model Y due to a sudden battery failure. The 20-month-old girl was left in a life-threatening situation as temperatures soared, forcing firefighters to break open the vehicle to rescue her. Renee Sanchez, the child’s grandmother, had secured her granddaughter in the car seat for a trip to the Phoenix Zoo. However, after closing the rear door, she discovered that the car would not open as the battery had died unexpectedly.

“I could not get in. My phone key wouldn’t open it. My card key wouldn’t open it,” Sanchez told the local news network AZFamily.

Michael Brooks, the executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety, emphasized the dangers of such situations, noting that a child trapped in a car in the Arizona heat can become critically endangered within 15 minutes, and fatalities often occur after 30 minutes.

Tesla- Emergency Response

Faced with an urgent crisis, Sanchez immediately called 911. Scottsdale firefighters responded quickly but expressed frustration upon realizing the vehicle involved was a Tesla. According to Sanchez, the first responders exclaimed, “Uggh, it’s a Tesla. We can’t get in these cars,” highlighting the unique challenges presented by the vehicle’s design and security features. Despite these difficulties, the firefighters used an ax to break through the window, successfully rescuing the toddler.

While the girl was initially “okay” and calm, she became frightened and started crying during the rescue operation. The firefighters gave her a small fire hat to help soothe her once she was out of the vehicle. Sanchez, relieved that her granddaughter was unharmed, soon felt a surge of anger as she contemplated how much worse the situation could have been.

Safety Concerns and Expert Opinions

The unexpected failure of the Tesla’s 12-volt battery, which powers the car’s electric systems, raised significant concerns. Mike Klimkosky, an electric vehicle expert, pointed out that Teslas are designed to provide persistent warning signs when the 12-volt battery is low. The sudden and complete failure of this battery without any prior warning was described as “very odd” by Klimkosky.

This incident has prompted scrutiny of Tesla’s safety protocols, particularly in extreme conditions. Brooks criticized Tesla, stating, “safety comes last” at the company, and stressed the importance of ensuring that such critical safety features are reliable. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the potential risks associated with advanced automotive technologies and the need for robust safety measures to protect passengers, especially children.

In conclusion, while the toddler in Phoenix was rescued without serious injury, the incident underscores the importance of reliable safety systems in vehicles, particularly those relying heavily on advanced technology. As temperatures rise and electric vehicles become more prevalent, ensuring that these vehicles are equipped with fail-safes and effective emergency protocols will be crucial to prevent similar life-threatening situations in the future.

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