According to Safe Kids Worldwide, even on a relatively mild 80-degree day, the temperature inside a car can rise 19 degrees in 10 minutes. Since a child's body heats up three to five times faster than an adult's, the risk of heat stroke, brain damage and death are much greater for children left in hot cars.
This means that only a few minutes can make the difference between life and death.
The Children's Health℠ Injury Prevention team reminds us that these incidents are avoidable and are often a result of life's typical distractions, parents being in a hurry and transporting their children outside of their typical routine. It can also happen when kids climb into an unlocked car.
Safety tips to prevent hot car deaths
If you are responsible for getting a child from place to place, keep these tips in mind for preventing hot car tragedies:
1. Make a habit of checking the back seat
Build a habit of checking the back seat every time you exit your car, even if a child is not with you. Making this a habit means you will check the backseat without even thinking about it, even if you are busy or have a lot on your mind. Tips for building this habit include:
- Placing your cell phone, briefcase, purse, house keys or other important items in the backseat before driving to your destination. This can help you make sure you check the backseat every time you leave the car.
- If your vehicle has the option, set a rear seat reminder (a message that pops up on your dashboard reminding you to check the backseat when you turn off your car).
- Create a practice of opening the back door every time you get out of the car, even if you know your child isn't in the back seat.
- Keep a stuffed animal in your child's car seat and move it to the front seat when they're in the car. This can be a visual reminder that will help you make sure to check the back seat.
2. Establish a peace-of-mind plan
When you drop off your child, make a habit of calling or texting any other caregivers, so all of you know where your child is at all times. Ask daycare providers to call you if your child does not arrive on time and they have not heard from you. This can help create a fail-safe so you know where your child is and be quickly alerted if they are not where they're supposed to be.
3. Keep vehicles locked with keys out of reach
Vehicular heat stroke deaths in kids don't just happen when a child is left in a hot car. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 26% of kids who died in cars had climbed into an unlocked car themselves and became trapped. Make sure you always lock the car and that your child cannot unlock the car themselves.
4. Call 911 if you see a child alone in a car
Stay at the scene until police arrive and ask them if there is anything you can do to help the child while you wait.
5. Spread the word
Help educate other parents and caregivers in your community about the risks of leaving children in a hot car and share any tips and tricks you use to help remind you to check the backseat every time. Speak with your family and neighbors about the importance of always keeping car doors locked, especially during the hot summer months.
Learn more
Learn more from experts at Children's Health about keeping your family safe and making summer smart.
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