New law okays car break-ins if child is in danger
NORTH JACKSON — With this summer being noted for children dying in hot cars, Tennessee has a new law that allows bystanders to break into a car if you see a child in danger inside. Jackson Fire Department demonstrated to WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News how you can safely break in if you see a child locked in a hot car. Fire officials say you can use the antenna off the car, or any item that will help you break the glass, but do not use your arm. If the child is not in a car seat, ask him or her to move back from the window. “A lot of times it might not break out completely but it’ll shatter and you can push the glass on out,” Larry Triplett, with Jackson Fire Department, said. Fire officials say be sure to clear all glass from the windows before opening the door. According to kidsandcars.org, last year 44 children died of a heatstroke in cars.
