6 Ways to Ensure You Never Leave A Child in a Hot Car

Parenting isn’t easy. You’re tired, you’re rushed, and you’re out doing errands with a young child. 5 minutes in the car while you’re running into the store can’t hurt–right?

Unfortunately, this is the mindset many people carry that has resulted in an average of 37 child fatalities every year. Summertime is hot, and the insides of cars are even hotter. In just ten minutes, a car can increase 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Parking in shade and cracking windows does little to cool down the inside of a car, and won’t help much to save a child’s life. Heatstroke is a very real threat, and is the leading cause of death other than vehicle crashes in children under age 15. Children are much more susceptible to headstroke than adults. Their bodies heat up 3 to 5 times faster than adults, and can lead to organ failure very quickly.

Fortunately, this is a very preventable circumstance, and is never the only option. Here are six ways to avoid leaving your child in a hot car:

• Always triple check. Never walk away and lock your car without making sure there are no children in the backseat. One helpful tip is to make a habit of stashing your purse, keys, or phone in the back seat. This way, you will always look in the backseat before exiting your car.

• Avoid distractions while driving. Cell phone usage can not only cause a car accident, but leads to a less focused driving environment in general. This can lead to a carefree moment resulting in a child fatality.

• Be careful with caretakers. If someone else is driving with your child, make sure to double check that they and the child have arrived at the destination safely.

• Lock your car. 25% of hot car related deaths happen when a child mistakenly enters a car without an adult noticing.

• Stow away your car keys. Keep your car keys out of a child’s reach when you aren’t driving. 

• Teach children that cars are not toys. Educate your children that cars are unsafe places to play, and shouldn’t be entered without supervision.

If your child is missing, always check the pool first if there is one on-site. Then, check all areas of the car, including the trunk. Immediately call 911 if your child or someone else’s child has been left in a car.

For questions, to book an appointment, or any other concerns, Augusta Pediatrics can be reached at (706) 868-0389. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.