As summer returns, so do warmer temperatures, and AAA is sharing safety advice for motorists traveling with children or pets in their vehicles this time of the year.
While temperatures outside may be in the 80s or 90s, the interior of a car can heat up quickly, pushing into triple digits and putting those inside at risk in as little as 10 minutes.
According to noheatstroke.org, since 1998, 946 children have died due to Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke, with more than half of those deaths afflicting children under the age of 2.
“People often think that something like this could never happen to them,” Adrienne Woodland, a AAA spokesperson, said. “However, many heatstroke deaths are accidents, where a parent or caregiver forgets the child is in the back seat.”
The Humane Society also warns of the potential risk that pets can be in if left in a car while it’s hot outside.
The society notes that 72 degrees Fahrenheit outside can turn into 116 degrees inside a car within an hour, putting animals in danger.
“On an 85-degree day, even with the windows slightly open, the temperature inside your car can reach 102 degrees in just 10 minutes,” the Humane Society shared.
In order to prevent needless deaths or injuries, AAA has nine safety tips for keeping passengers safe while traveling this summer:
- “Don’t Leave Them Alone, Not Even for a Minute - Never leave children unattended in a vehicle - even if the windows are open or the air conditioning is running.”
- “Vehicles Aren’t Play Areas - Don’t let children play in an unattended vehicle.”
- “Put Keys Out of Sight - Always lock your vehicle – even in driveways and garages - and keep keys out of children’s reach.”
- “Make it a Habit – Before locking your vehicle, check the front and back seat.”
- “Keep a stuffed animal in your child’s car seat. When the child is with you, move it to the front seat as a reminder that your child is in the back.”
- “Set an Alarm – Consider programming an alarm on your phone that will go off to remind you to check your vehicle.”
- “Caregiver Assistance - If you normally drop your child off at a babysitter or daycare, ask the caregiver to call you if your child doesn’t show up as expected.”
- “Add a Reminder- Put your purse/wallet or cell phone in the back seat. This way, you are reminded to look in the back seat before leaving the vehicle.”
- “Call for Help - If you see a child or pet alone in the car, call 911 immediately and follow the instructions of emergency personnel.”
AAA shared that with soaring temperatures, drivers should take efforts to be prepared, having a well-stocked emergency kit in case something happens. Kits should include water, non-perishable food items, jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, road flares, basic hand tools, and a first aid kit.
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