In a recent incident that took place in Scottsdale, Arizona, a Tesla car trapped a toddler inside due to a dead 12-volt battery. The child was secured in her car seat while her grandmother, Renee Sanchez, tried to get into the driver’s seat. However, the car door wouldn’t open, leaving Sanchez helpless outside the vehicle. She tried various methods to unlock the car, including using her phone key and card key, but to no avail.
Sanchez had no choice but to call 911 for help. Scottsdale firefighters arrived at the scene, but faced difficulty in accessing the Tesla due to limited knowledge about the car’s emergency features. Eventually, they had to break a window to rescue the toddler, who was understandably scared and crying during the ordeal.
This unfortunate incident sheds light on the importance of understanding the emergency features of electric vehicles like Tesla. While there is a hidden latch near the driver’s side armrest that can manually unlock the door in case of a dead battery, many owners are unaware of this mechanism. In this particular situation, the latch was inaccessible to Sanchez, who was outside the car.
The rising temperatures inside the car posed a serious threat to the child’s safety, highlighting the potential risks of leaving children unattended in hot vehicles. It’s crucial for both vehicle owners and first responders to be educated about emergency protocols for such scenarios. In this case, the firefighters had to resort to breaking a window to rescue the trapped child.
Sanchez expressed her gratitude towards the firefighters for saving her granddaughter, but also emphasized the need for better education and awareness regarding Tesla’s emergency features. As a fan of the brand, she hopes that incidents like this will prompt Tesla to improve their communication and guidance for both owners and emergency responders.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of leaving children unattended in cars, especially in hot weather conditions. According to Consumer Reports, an average of 37 children die in hot cars every year in the United States. It’s essential for parents and caregivers to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
In conclusion, the harrowing experience faced by Renee Sanchez and her granddaughter underscores the importance of understanding the safety features of electric vehicles like Tesla. Proper education and awareness can help prevent similar incidents and ensure the well-being of both vehicle occupants and bystanders. Stay informed and stay safe on the road.