As the temperatures continue to climb during the South Carolina summer, a parked car can become a very dangerous thing. Statistics show an average of 37 children die each year in a hot car; that’s 37 preventable child deaths per year.
It’s very easy to go on “autopilot” and go through a normal task. How many times have you made a familiar drive, only to reach your destination and not remember much of the trip?
Many tragic stories of a child being left in the car start with a slight change in the day, but the driver continues on with their normal routine. Other accidents can happen when a car is left unlocked and a child can easily get inside, but can’t get out.
Here are a few safety tips to follow to prevent another hot car incident:
- Create a reminder or routine to check the back seat before you leave.
- Put something important in the back seat like a purse or briefcase so you have to open the back door before walking away.
- Create a plan with the day care to call if a child isn’t in on a normally scheduled day.
- Keep your cars locked at all times, even if they’re in the driveway for only 20 minutes.
- Remind all visitors to lock their cars when at your home.
It does not take long for a car to heat up. A child can go from happy and playing to unresponsive within minutes.
If a child is missing around the home, check all vehicles outside immediately. If they happen to be inside of one, call 911 and work to cool them down while paramedics arrive.
Taking these steps and speaking with your children about the dangers of a hot car can prevent a normal, hot day from becoming a life-changing tragedy.