KU-EHS July Safety Tip: Hot Car Child Safety Awareness
Children are Dying in Hot Cars
Since 1998, more than 960 children have died from vehicular heatstroke - an average of 37 per year - and 53% of incidents involve a parent or caregiver forgetting the child was in the vehicle. Parents and caregivers can act immediately to end these preventable deaths.
How Does It Happen?
Even on mild or cloudy days, temperatures inside vehicles can reach life-threatening levels.
Leaving windows slightly open doesn't help. Children should never be left unattended or be able to get inside a vehicle.
Three primary circumstances resulting in deaths of children in hot cars are:
- A caregiver forgets a child in a vehicle
- The child gains access to the vehicle
- Someone knowingly leaves a child in the vehicle
U.S. Record Set for Child Hot Car Deaths Matched in 2018
Despite a rise in public awareness campaigns, 2018 was a record year for the deaths of children in hot cars.
The single-year high of 49 deaths originally set in 2010 once again was matched this past year. An additional two deaths in 2018 are being investigated, which could surpass the record.
"Passing legislation is an important step, but can be a lengthy process," the National Safety Council stated in a public response. "Parents and caregivers can act immediately, and the council calls on them to pay stricter attention in 2019 starting today – even though it is January, when weather is cooler in most states. On relatively mild days, temperatures inside vehicles still can reach life-threatening levels in minutes, and cracking windows does not help."
The NSC also advises parents and caregivers to stick to a routine and avoid distractions to reduce the risk of forgetting a child. In addition, keep car doors locked so children cannot gain access, and teach them that cars are not play areas.
KidsAndCars.org suggests these tips for parents and caregivers to help prevent vehicular heat stroke tragedies:
- Never leave children alone in or around cars; not even for a minute.
- Put something you'll need like your cell phone, handbag, employee ID or brief case, etc., on the floor board in the back seat.
- Get in the habit of always opening the back door of your vehicle every time you reach your destination to make sure no child has been left behind. This will soon become a habit.
- Keep a large stuffed animal in the child's car seat when it is not occupied. Put it in the front passenger seat when a child is in the car. It is a visual reminder that the child is in the back seat.
- Make arrangements with your child’s day care center or babysitter that you will always call if your child will not be there on a particular day as scheduled.
- Keep vehicles locked at all times.
- Keys and/or remote openers should never be left within reach of children.
- Make sure all child passengers have left the vehicle after it is parked.
- When a child is missing, check vehicles and car trunks immediately.
- If you see a child alone in a vehicle, get involved. If they are hot or seem sick, get them out as quickly as possible. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Free Online Course: Children in Hot Cars
Educate yourself and everyone you know about this danger. The National Safety Council offers a free online course about the danger of vehicular heatstroke and children, the three primary circumstances that have led to children dying and what we all can do to prevent these deaths. One child is too many.
Complete and share this training now. It is also available in Spanish. You will be required to create an account. A certificate of completion is provided at the end of the training.
More information: NSC Website Kids in Hot Cars