Parents or other caregivers frequently forget their children in cars because they’re tired, stressed, or lack routine. Reports indicate that hundreds of children are left alone in cars every year, and parents are responsible for 75% of kid fatalities in parked cars. Heatstroke, heat loss from the body, becoming stuck in a car or trunk, and kidnapping are among the risks. The dangers of leaving a child unattended in a car are often unknown to even responsible adults.
Dangers
When the interior of a car retains heat, the temperature inside rises quickly, leading to heatstroke, a potentially fatal condition in young children. A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s, so even opening windows won’t make a big difference in the temperature inside a car.
Car thefts with children inside are common, even in safe communities. Power windows can cause thousands of deaths or injuries, and children often press buttons without understanding the risks. Accidental car-starting can lead to hospitalization or death, and older vehicles can be knocked into gear without the driver’s foot on the brake. Children also start vehicle fires by discovering matches or lighters. Parents must be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions.
In parking lots and driveways, slow-moving cars can run over and back over children, causing them to fall out of a car and sustain catastrophic injuries. Although they are uncommon, kidnappings and abductions do occur.
Preventive measures
Always ensure the car is locked and the keys are kept out of children’s reach. Teach children never to play in or around vehicles, and encourage them to notify an adult immediately if they see a peer left alone in a car.
Clearly explain the risks of trunk entrapment to help them understand the dangers. Before backing up, always check that no children or pets are under or behind the vehicle, using your side and rearview mirrors to stay alert, especially when kids are playing nearby.
When the child’s car seat is empty, place a stuffed animal in it; when your child is buckled in, move the stuffed toy to the front passenger seat as a visual cue. To avoid having to leave children alone in a car, opt for drive-through services whenever possible.
