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From
1996 through 2000, more than 120 children most of them three and younger –
died from heat stroke after being trapped in a vehicle’s passenger
compartment. Research conducted by General Motors revealed that these children
were left behind in a closed, parked car by parents or caregivers, or that they
gained access to the car on their own and could not get out.
This is a
serious public health issue, and one that is entirely preventable. Parents may
mistakenly think that they can safely leave a child in a vehicle for a
“quick” errand. Unfortunately, a delay of just a few minutes can lead to
tragedy. Heat is much more dangerous to children than it is to adults. When left
in a hot vehicle, a young child’s core body temperature may increase three to
five times faster than that of an adult. This could cause permanent
injury or even death.
A recent
study showed that even on a 73-degree day, a dark sedan reached 100 degrees
after 15 minutes and 110 degrees at 30 minutes, while it took a white mini-van
35 minus to reach 100 degrees.
Parents
and care givers should follow these safety precautions: minutes.
IDS SAFE AROUND CARS IN WARM WEATHER.
•
Teach children not to play in, on or around cars.
•
never leave a child unattended in a motor vehicle, even with a window slightly
open. This applies to pets as well. On a typically sunny, summer day, the
temperature inside a vehicle can reach potentially deadly levels within minutes.
•
Always lock car doors and trunks – even at home – and keep keys out of
children’s reach. Kids have climbed into cars to hide or explore, and parents
don’t always know to check their vehicles
•
Watch children closely around cars, particularly when loading or unloading.
Check to ensure that all children leave the vehicle when you reach your
destination. Don’t overlook sleeping infants.
•
For parents concerned they might forget they are caring a child in the car seat
behind them, leave a stuffed animal in the car seat. Then remove the toy and
pace it in the front seat every time a child is riding in the car. It can serve
as a reminder that “precious cargo” is being carried.
•Carry
a spare key to your car with you in case you accidentally lock your keys in the
car (with your child inside)
•
Secure children correctly on every ride.
•
See if you can have a trap resistant trunk kit installed by your car dealer.
•
When restraining children in a car that has been parked in the heat, checks to
make sure seating surfaces and equipment (car seat and seat belt buckles)
aren’t overly hot.
posted
06/16/03 on Kidsgrowth
