Kids, Pets and Hot Cars Left Alone = A Deadly Combination

The consequences of leaving kids or pets in hot cars, even for a minute, can be deadly. Each year, AAA along with Safe Kids works to prevent children and pets being left in hot cars by educating the public of the dangers.

According to data collected by Dr. Jan Null of San Francisco State University, 32 children died last year after being left in a car. 52 percent of those who died were left not on purpose, but by mistake.

“Many times we think we can run into a store and be out in 10 minutes with no problem, but in 10 minutes in the heat of the summer, your car’s interior temperature can rise 19 degrees above that of the outside air,” said Danial Karnes, AAA Oklahoma spokesman.

AAA urges parents and caregivers to put these simple tips to use to make sure no child is left in a vehicle this summer.

• Never leave a child unattended in a car, even for a minute, even if the windows are tinted or down. The same recommendation applies to pets and the elderly.
• Don’t allow children to play in an unlocked, parked vehicle and never leave car keys where children have access to them.
• Keep doors locked and windows closed at all times, even when the vehicle is in the garage or on a driveway.
• Make sure all children leave the vehicle when you reach your destination. Be certain no one is inadvertently left behind.
• When you first place a child in a car seat in the back seat of the car, also open the glove compartment door, flip down the passenger side visor or put a purse in the back seat. These actions can serve as visual reminders that a child is in the back seat. Even better, place your cell phone on the back seat, too.
• If you see a child alone in a locked, parked car, immediately call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.

A not-for-profit organization, AAA Oklahoma serves its 365,000 members across Oklahoma with emergency help on the road, auto travel assistance and a wide range of personal insurance, travel, financial and automotive services through its 45 retail branches, regional operations center and the Internet at www.AAA.com.