As the summer heat intensifies, experts are warning parents and caregivers about the dangers of leaving children unattended in hot cars. So far this year, eight children have died in hot cars, highlighting the need for simple reminders to prevent such tragedies.
Prevention is Key
According to Consumer Reports, even when the temperature outside is in the high 60s, the inside of a closed car can reach over 105 degrees within an hour. Children’s bodies can heat up three to five times faster than adults’, making them more susceptible to heat stroke.
Experts emphasize that it is never safe to leave children in a car unattended, even if a window is cracked or the car is parked in the shade. Emily Thomas, Ph.D., of Consumer Reports suggests creating a visual reminder by placing a child’s bag, jacket, or hat next to the driver in the front seat, or getting into the habit of putting a purse or bag in the back seat to ensure a check of the back seat when exiting the car.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
