Hot Cars Pose Greater Danger to Children in Summer Heat

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    FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The initial days of summer have ushered in an intense heat wave across the East Coast of the United States, prompting child advocates to alert parents and caregivers to the life-threatening dangers posed by leaving children in overheated vehicles.

    Alarmingly, this year has already witnessed nine tragic cases of children succumbing to heatstroke after being left unattended in cars across states including California, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Mexico, New Jersey, and North Carolina, as per data from Kids and Car Safety which monitors incidents of such fatalities. Alarmingly, five of these deaths occurred in June alone. Last year, a total of 39 children in the U.S. succumbed to heatstroke inside sweltering cars.

    Experts highlight the grave risks linked with leaving children in vehicles, particularly amid persistently high temperatures exacerbated by human-induced climate change. Kathy Wall, director of Safe Kids Palm Beach County, stresses that the danger arises not only on exceptionally hot days. “Inside, the car can reach dangerous temperatures rapidly,” Wall explained. “Even on a day when it’s 80 degrees outside, it can soar past 100 degrees inside within 10 minutes.”

    Hot car-related deaths are tragically not limited to any specific season. The National Safety Council reports that since 1998, incidents have been documented across all states except Alaska. Notably, in both 2018 and 2019, the United States saw a record number of 53 child fatalities under similar circumstances.

    Research by Jan Null, a certified consulting meteorologist at San Jose State University, reveals that around 80% of the heat increase inside a vehicle occurs within the first 30 minutes, with temperatures potentially exceeding 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65 degrees Celsius). Children are particularly vulnerable due to their bodies’ reduced ability to regulate temperature and faster rise in internal heat compared to adults, underscored Capt. Karen Derogatis of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.

    Wall emphasized that the mistake of leaving a child in a car can occur to anyone, irrespective of their background or awareness of the risks. “It is not confined to any particular socioeconomic or cultural group. This tragic error has impacted professionals and caregivers alike, from doctors and dentists to teachers and child care workers,” Wall pointed out.

    Distraction often leads to such oversights, making it crucial to develop systematic reminders and routines. “Distractions can easily cause disruptions in routines, particularly given today’s busy and hectic world,” Wall elaborated. She noted that someone who doesn’t normally handle school drop-offs might forget having a child in the vehicle.

    To mitigate this risk, Wall suggests employing the “ACT” acronym: A – Avoid leaving a child alone in a vehicle; C – Create a reminder, such as placing personal belongings in the backseat; T – Take immediate action by calling 911 if a child is spotted alone in a car.

    Additionally, newer vehicles often feature alerts prompting drivers to check the backseat for passengers. Capt. Derogatis stressed the importance of vigilance, encouraging drivers to routinely check their rearview and side mirrors. “Making this a habit can significantly enhance safety for children and pets alike,” she advised.