A warning has been issued by child advocates regarding the dangers of heatstroke to children left inside hot vehicles, following a record heatwave that swept across the East Coast of the United States in the first week of summer.
Nine children have tragically died this year after being left unattended in vehicles in various states, including California, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Mexico, New Jersey, and North Carolina. Five of these deaths occurred in June alone. Additionally, in the previous year, 39 children in the US lost their lives under similar circumstances.
Understanding the Risks
According to experts, even on relatively mild days, the interior of a vehicle can quickly become dangerously hot for a child left inside. Kathy Wall, the director of Safe Kids Palm Beach County, highlighted that a vehicle’s temperature can increase by 20 degrees in just 20 minutes, reaching over 100 degrees on an 80-degree day.
Hot car deaths are not limited to specific seasons, and nearly every state in the country has reported such incidents since 1998. In both 2018 and 2019, a record 53 children lost their lives after being left in hot cars.
Research indicates that around 80% of the temperature rise inside a vehicle occurs within the first 30 minutes of a child being left unattended, with temperatures potentially exceeding 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses as they sweat less than adults and their internal temperature can rise much faster. It is crucial for parents and caregivers to ensure that no child is left inside a vehicle, especially during periods of rising temperatures, emphasized Capt. Karen Derogatis of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.
Prevention and Awareness
Despite knowing the risks, even individuals who are well-informed have inadvertently left children in vehicles. Wall pointed out that this is not limited to a particular group and has affected professionals from various fields.
Distractions are often cited as a common reason for forgetting a child in the backseat. Establishing routines and reminders can help prevent such tragic incidents, Wall advised.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to follow the ACT principle – Avoid leaving a child unattended, Create a reminder that suits your routine, and Take action immediately if a child is spotted in a vehicle. Authorities recommend placing personal items in the backseat to prompt a check before locking the vehicle.
Some modern vehicles come equipped with alerts to remind drivers to inspect the backseat for passengers.
Derogatis stressed the importance of double-checking the vehicle before leaving, emphasizing the need to make it a habit just like checking mirrors for safety while driving.
