Summer temperatures continue to soar, and although it may seem like common sense to never keep your child in a parked car, over the past 16 years more than 600 children have died of heatstroke due to being left unattended in a vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, on a 60 degree day, temperatures inside a car can reach well above 110 degrees quickly.
On hotter days where the temperature outside is 80 to 100 degrees, inside the car can reach a scorching 130 to 170 degrees in no time at all. These conditions are critical to a small child’s safety and even if you only plan to be gone for a short period of time it is not worth the risk.
Make a “look before you leave” policy whenever exiting your vehicle. If you need a reminder, set a stuffed animal in your passenger seat or your purse or briefcase in the backseat. Also be sure to keep your car locked when you’re not in it and keep keys away from kids.
By following these tips tragedy is preventable. If you see a child locked in a car contact 9-1-1 immediately!
