Requests the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Health and Hospitals, and the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, public safety services, office of motor vehicles, to promote statewide the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's "Where's baby? Look before you lock." campaign.
SCR5 does not create new laws but emphasizes the need for existing departments, including the Department of Children and Family Services and the Department of Health and Hospitals, to engage in statewide promotion of the campaign. By increasing public awareness, SCR5 aims to reduce incidents of child fatalities linked to vehicular heatstroke, improving child safety standards and practices across the state. The campaign's promotional efforts are marked as a proactive measure against a recurring and tragic issue affecting families.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 5 (SCR5) urges the state of Louisiana to promote the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 'Where's baby? Look before you lock' campaign. This initiative aims to raise awareness around the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, which can lead to serious injuries or fatalities related to heatstroke. The resolution highlights alarming statistics, indicating that heatstroke is a leading cause of non-crash vehicle-related deaths in children under 14, with a total of 532 deaths documented nationally since 1998 due to this preventable circumstance.
The general sentiment around SCR5 is positive, with a consensus on the importance of addressing child safety in vehicles. It received unanimous support in the Senate, passing with 32 yeas and 0 nays. This strong backing reflects a cooperative legislative climate regarding child welfare issues. Advocates for child safety and public health have welcomed the resolution, viewing it as a necessary step toward protecting the most vulnerable members of the community.
While SCR5 is largely supported, discussions may still arise regarding the allocation of resources for campaign implementation and effectiveness in reaching the target audience. Some concerns could include ensuring that sufficient educational materials and outreach programs are provided to maximize the campaign's impact, particularly in underrepresented communities. Nevertheless, the unanimous vote illustrates a solidified legislative commitment to enhancing public safety measures for children's welfare.