You might think it’s impossible to forget there is a kid in a car. That only happens to irresponsible parents, you might say, shaking your head.
News flash: It can happen to anyone, regardless of education or social standing. As the temperatures climb, so too does the risk of injury or death from heatstroke. Thirteen children have already died in hot cars this year. But this tragedy is 100 percent preventable. You should know what we can do to spread the word about the risks and consequences of leaving a kid in a hot car.
By the Numbers:
44 Deaths
In 2013, 44 children died of heatstroke after being left in the car, one of the worst years on record. Another 13 fatalities have been reported this year. Source: Child Nontraffic Fatalities by Type and Year, Kidsandcars.org
5x Faster
A child’s body heat can rise up to five times faster than an adult’s. In just 10 minutes, a car can heat up 20 degrees, quickly pushing a child’s body temperature to lethal levels. Source: Kids in Hot Cars Heatstroke Fact Sheet, Parents Central, Safercar.gov (download)
1.5 Million Forget
According to a national study, 11 percent of parents admit to forgetting their child in a car. For those with children three and under, it is nearly one in four parents. Source: National Online Survey, Safe Kids Worldwide