Last Updated on July 20, 2024 by Manu Bhai
What is Hot Car Death: Since 1990, over 1,050 children across the country have tragically lost their lives in hot cars, as reported by the database of Kids And Cars Safety. The organization states that approximately 87% of these children who perish in hot cars are aged 3 or younger. Shockingly, the majority, accounting for 56%, were inadvertently left behind by a parent or caregiver.
In Florida, authorities reported a heartbreaking incident where a toddler tragically lost their life after being accidentally left inside a hot vehicle in a church parking lot on Tuesday. This incident adds to a distressing pattern seen across the United States.
The Jacksonville Beach Police Department received a call and promptly responded to Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Preschool around 2:40 p.m. on Tuesday after receiving reports of an unresponsive child. Upon their arrival, officers discovered the lifeless toddler outside the church property. So let’s Learn more about What is Hot Car Death.
What is Hot Car Death?
A hot car death is a death that occurs when a child is left unattended in a hot car. The temperature inside a car can rise very quickly, even if the car is parked in the shade or with the windows rolled down. This can lead to heatstroke, which can be fatal.
How Hot Does It Get Inside a Car?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has conducted studies that show that the temperature inside a car can rise to 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes. In an hour, the temperature can rise by 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that even on a mild day, the temperature inside a car can quickly reach dangerous levels.
How Can Children Die in Hot Cars?
What is Hot Car Death:
Children are at greater risk of dying from heatstroke than adults because their bodies heat up more quickly. They also have less body fat, which helps to keep them cool. Additionally, children may not be able to understand the dangers of being left in a hot car.
How Can Parents and Guardians Prevent Hot Car Deaths?
There are a few things that parents and guardians can do to prevent hot car deaths:
- Never leave a child unattended in a car, not even for a minute. This is especially important on hot days, but it is important to remember that heatstroke can occur even on mild days.
- Make it a habit to check the backseat of your car every time you get out. This is even more important if you have multiple children or if you are not following your usual routine.
- Place a personal item in the backseat, such as your purse or briefcase. This will serve as a reminder to check the backseat.
- Get a car with a built-in reminder system. Some cars have systems that will alert you if you leave a child in the backseat.
- Teach your children about the dangers of being left in a hot car. Explain to them that it is never safe to do so, even if they are asleep.
What to Do If You See a Child Alone in a Hot Car
If you see a child alone in a hot car, act immediately. Call 911 and do not leave the child unattended. If you can, try to get the child out of the car and into the shade.
Hot car deaths are preventable. By following these simple tips, you can help to keep your children safe.
In addition to the tips above, here are some other things that parents and guardians can do to prevent hot car deaths:
- Tell your childcare provider or other caregivers about your policy of never leaving a child unattended in a car.
- Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child doesn’t show up for care as expected.
- Store car keys out of a child’s reach.
- Teach children that a vehicle is not a play area.
By taking these steps, you can help to ensure that your children are safe from hot car deaths.
What is a Hot Car Death
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