As scorching temperatures return to the forecast, the American Automobile Association (AAA) reminds drivers to never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.
A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s body temperature, making hot weather even more dangerous. Across the U.S., several children have already died this year from being left in hot cars.
“I’ll say this in the strongest possible terms – no errand justifies leaving a kid in a car,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “You may think you’ll only be in a store for just a few minutes, and that nothing can happen, but it only takes ten minutes for temperatures inside a vehicle to soar by 20 degrees or more – even if the vehicle is parked in the shade or with the windows down. Tragedy can strike with lightning speed.”
AAA encourages the public to note the location of cooling shelters in your area, just in case, and to share this information on social media. Make sure people and pets stay hydrated and watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If it isn’t possible to take children or pets into a location with you, make alternate arrangements that don’t involve leaving them in your vehicle. In addition, please be careful about hiking, completing yard work, and exercising during the heat of the day.
“We always recommend leaving your cell phone on the back seat of the car,” Conde said. “You won’t go very far without it, which will help you remember to look for children and pets in the back of your vehicle. You may also avoid some distracted driving, so it’s a big win-win.”
