France's missing safeguard: No law requires car-alert systems as children die in heat

Two children, aged two and four, died in a sealed car during a 40°C heatwave in southeast France on June 22. Their bodies reached lethal temperatures within minutes. France lacks mandatory vehicle-alert technology—systems that alert drivers to rear-seat occupants—required in the U.S. under the Hot Cars Act. Child safety advocates warn the gap widens as heat events intensify and arrive earlier each season.