With the warmer weather comes rising temperatures that can leave those who aren’t careful susceptible to dangers such as heat stroke, dehydration, dizziness, and other types of injuries.
Even worse, young children and infants are the most at risk during this time of year, because many are left alone in a hot vehicle, unattended for a period of time.
It may sound shocking that it happens, but infant and child fatalities peak around the summer season, because caretakers become preoccupied by other tasks and forget their child, or believe that a quick errand run won’t take too long and their child will be fine unattended for a short period of time.
However, it doesn’t need to be extremely hot outside for injury to occur to kids in hot cars. In fact, temperatures as low as 52 degrees can cause heat stroke or fatalities. This is because the greenhouse effect occurs in vehicles when the doors are shut, windows are up, and sun is shining. In a matter of minutes, a vehicle’s temperature inside will become exponentially hotter than what it is externally. Moreover, if a vehicle can reach dangerous temperatures inside during lower temperatures, imagine how hot it can get during typical 80 to 100 degree summertime weather.
At that point, a vehicle becomes dangerous, and kids in hot cars are left in a life threatening situation no matter how long they’ve been inside of a vehicle.
Plus, in some states, it’s even illegal to leave kids in hot cars unattended. Every time you exit your vehicle always check for children. Not only will it save their life, but will save you from a potentially hefty fine or felony charge.
This summer be responsible, don’t leave kids in hot cars unattended even for a second. However, hot vehicles aren’t the only thing that can put your child at risk this summer. Check out our tips on summer safety for your family, by clicking the button below.
