Every year we post something reminding parents and caregivers to be diligent about not leaving children in the car accidently – especially when temperatures rise. Unfortunately, this year in the United States eight children have already died because they were left in a hot car. One of these deaths was just last month in Asheville, N.C.
A previous blog listed some tips and tricks from Safe Kids Wake County to prevent this serious and potentially deadly mistake. The two best suggestions include:
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- Distraction is a key reason children are mistakenly left in the car.
Placing a cell phone, purse, briefcase, gym bag or whatever is to be carried from the car on the floor in front of a child in a backseat. This will trigger you to see children when you open the rear door to reach for belongings.
- Have a plan that if your child is late for daycare that you will be called within a few minutes. Be especially careful if you change your routine for dropping off little kids at day care.
The Kids in Cars advocacy group also offers a handy printable flier in Spanish and English with additional information to prevent this completely preventable tragedy.
It does not have to be 100 degrees outside for the temperature to quickly rise inside of an unventilated car. Take care this summer and do a double-take to ensure there are no children in your car before you go into work. Additionally, if your child is missing, check the car and the car’s trunk first.
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