Don't Leave Kids Alone in Hot Cars at Anytime
The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National SAFE KIDS Campaign today reminded parents and caregivers that leaving children unattended in a motor vehicle can quickly lead to fatal consequences, especially in warm weather. NHTSA also issued summer safety tips for parents and caregivers.
From 1996 to the present, at least 241 children have died of heatstroke after being trapped inside parked cars, and at least 19 have died already this year. Most of the children were in child safety seats and left behind or forgotten by an adult. Others gained access to an unlocked car and then became trapped inside.
"During warm weather, temperatures can rapidly rise inside a vehicle, even if it's parked in the shade. A tragedy can occur within minutes if children are left in a closed car," said NHTSA Administrator Jeffrey W. Runge, M.D.
Young children trapped in a hot, closed vehicle are at particularly great risk on a day that is sunny or humid. Even when the temperature is as mild as 60 degrees Fahrenheit, a closed vehicle can heat to levels that are dangerous for children within a short span of time.
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