37 children die every year inside hot vehicles.
Frederick, Md. (RD) – On average, 37 children die from heat-related deaths each year after being left inside hot vehicles. Even the best of parents or care-givers can leave a sleeping baby in a dangerous situation; especially if the heat conditions do not seem excessive.
Christine Delise with AAA Mid-Atlantic says the dangers are very real for young children.
“On an 80 degree day, the inside of a car can reach deadly levels in just 10 minutes. Even on days that are overcast, you might think it is okay to leave a child or pet in a car, but it is not,” Delise said.
AAA is part of a program that offers suggestions on how to remind drivers that babies aren’t the only ones in potential danger of vehicular heat stroke.
“AAA is teaming up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in an attempt to reduce these deaths by reminding parents and care-givers about the dangers of vehicular stroke, and leaving children alone in hot cars. The elderly should never be left alone in cars as well, since they are as vulnerable as small children,” according to Delise.
AAA says it’s best to place an object in the front seat, such as a diaper bag, to remind drivers that they have an infant in the back seat.