On average, 37 children under the age of 15 die each year from heatstroke after being left in a vehicle. In both 2018 and 2019, the National Safety Council reported that 53 children died from being left in a hot vehicle. This may not sound like many deaths, but since 1998, 1,048 children have perished due to Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke. ALL of these deaths could have been prevented.
This staggering number really got my attention and pulled on all of my “mom heartstrings,” knowing that during that difficult and crazy time of raising small children, this could have been me. Those days where you are exhausted, juggling 47 different things, trying to meet deadlines, make appointments, distracted with finances, relationships…the list goes on. This could happen to anyone, whether you are a mom, dad, grandparent, sitter, teacher, social worker, childcare worker, physician, in the military, a judge, a firefighter. My point is, this could even be you. Let’s make sure that this never happens. So, how do we ensure the safety of our kids in the back seats of our vehicles?
Simple Steps to Prevent Hot Car Deaths
There are several simple ideas that you can put into place to ensure that no child is harmed by being left in a vehicle.
First. Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Not even for a minute. Ever.
Look before you lock! Busy schedules and changing routines can lead to forgetfulness. Create a habit of looking in the seats, not just the car seats, for children. Then proceed to lock up your car. Make it a habit, every trip, every time.
Leave something you need in the back seat. Every day. Not just when you have kids in the car. Develop that habit. Leave your key fob, your purse, your wallet — some even suggest one of your shoes. How about your phone? In my state, we are a “hands-free” state when it comes to phones. Placing your phone in the back seat could also reduce distractions while driving. Choose an item that is part of your everyday routine and place it on the back seat.
Teach children that vehicles are never to be used as a play area.
Always lock your car and ensure that children do not have access to keys or remote devices.
Have a plan that your childcare provider will call you if your child does not show up for school.
Use technology, like rear-seat reminders, that alerts drivers to check the back seat. Many modern vehicles have rear-seat reminders to keep us focused on child safety.
Additional Resources
To learn more about Children in Hot Cars, there is a free, online course offered by the National Safety Council to educate yourself and others about this danger. Go to: https://www.nsc.org/road/safety-topics/child-passenger-safety/kids-in-hot-cars?
Some other great tips are offered by Safe Kids Worldwide. Find them at: https://www.safekids.org/safetytips/field_risks/hot-cars
Or: Child Passenger Safety, a National Safety Council program. Go to: https://www.safety-connection.org/heatstroke/technology-library/
Emergency Reminders
IF YOU SEE A CHILD UNATTENDED IN A HOT VEHICLE, CALL 9-1-1.
IF A CHILD IS MISSING, ALWAYS CHECK THE POOL FIRST, AND THEN THE CAR, INCLUDING THE TRUNK.
These reminders are especially important in the warmer months, when temperatures inside a parked vehicle can rise rapidly and become dangerous within minutes. Making “check your back seat” part of your routine can help keep children safe every day.