Murray Guari Trial Attorneys remind parents and caregivers that with most of the country experiencing higher than 
normal temperature and with the “dog days” of summer upon us, of the dangers of leaving children and pets in hot cars.
In less than 30 minutes, the temperature inside a car can increase 35 degrees. An infant can die in as little as 15 minutes even on a mild 75-degree day.
A body temperature of 107 degrees is considered dangerous because cells are damaged and internal organs shut down. Symptoms of heat stroke include dizziness, disorientation, agitation, confusion, sluggishness, seizure, hot dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty, loss of consciousness, rapid heartbeat and hallucinations.
Approximately 39 children die from hyperthermia (heat stroke) each year because they were left in hot cars. Since 1990 there have been approximately 940 preventable tragedies according to KidsAndCars.org. More than half of the deaths occur in children under the age of 2.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking it won’t happen to you. Here are some tips by KidsAndCars.org to keep your kids safe – BE SAFE:
Back seat – Put something in the back seat so you have to open the door when leaving the vehicle – cell phone, handbag, etc.
Every child should be correctly restrained in the back seat.
Stuffed animal – Move it from the car seat to the front seat to remind you when your baby is in the back seat.
Ask your babysitter or child-care provider to call you within 10 minutes if your child hasn’t arrived on time.
Focus on driving – Avoid cell phone calls and texting while driving.
Every time you park your vehicle open the back door to make sure no one has been left behind.
Here are some additional resources for parents:
- NHTSA’s “Where’s baby? Look before you lock” campaign – http://www.safercar.gov/heatstroke
- Safe Kids’ “Never Leave Your Child Alone in a Car” campaign – https://www.safekids.org/heatstroke
If you see a child alone in a car, be sure to call 911 and help make sure the child gets out as soon as possible.
