Even though it sounds inconceivable, there was a time when parents would regularly leave their children in the car alone. Whether it was to run into the grocery store or just because the parents didn't want to interrupt their nap, it happened more often than you would imagine. Although today's parents have more information about the risks associated with leaving a child in a parked car, it is still important to review the ways to prevent hot car deaths.
As the temperatures start to rise and car trips become more frequent, here are a few ways you can help prevent hot car deaths.
*Always look in the back seat
*Leave something you need in the back seat
*Check in on anyone driving with your child - Make sure the child was dropped off at daycare/school.
*Have an absentee plan with your daycare - Have them call you if the child hasn't arrived by a certain time.
*Don't assume cooler weather is safe - A car's interior can heat up by 40 degrees within an hour.
*Keep car keys away from small children - Children are curious and have been known to sneak into cars to play.
*Take action - If you ever come across a child alone in a car, immediately call 9-1-1.
As of today, there have been 7 children in the United States this year that have died as a result of being left in the vehicle.
All of these deaths could have been prevented.
