Child Heatstroke In Unattended Vehicles – A Very Real Danger
Child safety in the car is often a huge concern for parents, and the summer months are no exception. With the hot weather comes an increase in children getting dehydrated or overheating, which is why they should never be left alone unattended in a vehicle. Here are some scary statistics that show why even just minutes alone in a car can be dangerous:
A child’s body temperature can rise up to five times more quickly than an adults.- Heatstroke in small children can happen when the outside temperature is as cool as 57 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Outside temperature in the 60’s can still cause your car’s interior to heat up to a whopping 110 degrees Fahrenheit!
- In only 10 minutes time, the interior of a car can see an increase in temperature of up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cracking the windows does little to keep the car cool.
The statistics are enough to scare anyone. With over 940 child deaths related to overheating in a car since 1990, heatstroke is a problem that should not go ignored.
So, what should you do? Always employ a “no exceptions” policy when it comes to leaving your children unattended in the car, no matter how cool it may seem outside. If you seen a small child unattended in a locked car on a hot day, wait no more than 5 minutes before calling 911. If they appear unresponsive, call for help immediately.
Summertime is a great time for road trips and family vacations. However, it’s important to understand the risks that come with the hot weather, and be proactive in keeping your children safe in the hot summer months.
All statistics in this article courtesy of safercar.gov.
_______________________
We hope you enjoyed this post. If there is anything else we can do to help you feel free to call us at (805) 466-2446 (Atascadero) or (805) 239-8752 (Paso Robles). And be sure to stay connected with us on Facebook as well!
