VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A New Smyrna man has spent the past few years working to create an app, Child and Pet Safe, that reminds people to not forget a child or a pet is in the car once the driver leaves.
William Cooper told Channel 9’s Sarahbeth Ackerman that he’s sick of hearing the horrific stories of people accidentally leaving children or pets in vehicles.
"I just don't want anybody to lose their child for something that can be prevented,” Cooper said.
The app is still in the testing phases and at least two months from being available to the public. But here is how the app will work once it’s available. Users download the app, create a profile, they’ll have to set up a profile, add family members to the account, as well as turn on the GPS on the phone and enter in the make and model of the vehicle.
Once that information is turned on, the app will recognize the vehicle is in motion.
"Once your car reaches 10 mph it will kick on and ask you if your child or pet is in the car with you. You say, ‘Yes or no.’ It will be a voice recording asking you if your pet or child is in the vehicle,” Cooper said.
The app will know when the driver stops. An alert will ask the driver if they took the pet or child out of the car.
If the person doesn’t answer after two alert prompts, the app will notify another family member. A notification will also be sent to 911.
"If it saves one child or one pet, it's worth it,” Cooper said.
Cox Media Group
