Do Not Leave Children Unattended in 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.
"It's
not only parents and caregivers who should be extremely vigilant. Anyone who observes
a small child alone in a closed vehicle should contact emergency services immediately,"
says Martin Eichelberger, M.D., president of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign.
NHTSA
Reminds Parents Not to Leave Children Unattended in Vehicles
NHTSA
and SAFE KIDS urge parents to be particularly cautious about their children's
safety in the summer and offer the following safety precautions to combat heat-related
injuries in cars and other motor vehicles:
-
Never
leave your child unattended in a motor vehicle, even with a window open.
-
Teach
children not to play in, on or around cars.
-
Always
lock car doors and trunks and keep keys out of children's reach.
-
Watch
children closely around cars, particularly when loading or unloading items.
-
Ensure
that children exit the vehicle at your destination.
-
Don't
overlook sleeping infants.
-
Place
an unmistakable reminder of a child's presence where you'll be sure to see it
before you leave the vehicle. For example, place a diaper bag right next to you,
your briefcase or your lunch bag.
-
Check
the temperature of child safety seats and seat belt buckles before restraining
your child.
Car
trunks can also be especially hazardous. In very hot weather, within minutes a
child trapped in the trunk of a vehicle can suffer a heatstroke that leads to
permanent disability or even death. Remember these safety precautions:
-
Keep the trunk
of your car locked at all times, especially when the vehicle is parked in the
driveway or near your home.
-
Keep
rear fold-down seats closed to help prevent kids from getting into the trunk from
the passenger area of a car.
-
Put
car keys out of children's reach and sight.
-
Be
wary of child-resistant locks. Teach older children how they can unlock the door
if they become trapped in a motor vehicle.
For
the fourth year in a row, SAFE KIDS and General Motors are conducting a national
public awareness campaign aimed at educating parents and caregivers about the
dangers of leaving children unattended in motor vehicles. The Never Leave Your
Child Alone initiative includes brochures in English and Spanish that deliver
potentially lifesaving information. Brochures can be downloaded at www.safekids.org
and www.gmability.com.
The
National SAFE KIDS Campaign is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to
the prevention of unintentional childhood injury - the number one killer of children
ages 14 and under. More than 300 state and local SAFE KIDS coalitions in all 50
states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico comprise the campaign. http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov |