I was driving the other day, and saw a yellow leaf fall – is it fair to say that fall is in the air?
It’s always an important time for a reminder – because while cooler temperatures may SEEM like a time that it would be safer to leave pets or kids in the car for JUST A MINUTE while you run inside on an errand, fact is – it’s just as dangerous.
In fact, according to a study in Pediatrics, even in cooler weather, the hot temperatures climb in cars almost just as high as in the summer. SO, coupled with new routines (that can make it easier to forget or be distracted and leave a child accidentally), it’s a great time for a quick reminder for our littlest ones in the back seat!
Even cooler temps are dangerous:
Even on a relatively cool day, the car temperature rises by an average 40 degrees within an hour – and 80% of that rise occurs in the first half-hour. Regardless of outside temperature.
..and these steps do NOT work:
- Cracking a window does NOT adequately prevent this rise in heat
- Having the air conditioner running BEFORE stopping the car, only delays that rise in temperature by around 5 minutes.
- Anything metal heats up even faster
What you CAN do to reduce risk:
In some tragic cases, leaving the child in the car wasn’t even deliberate – the parent forgot. Here are some tips to reduce that risk:
- Many cars feature a “check the back seat” warning when you turn off the car. If you car has that feature, make sure it’s always on. Don’t know how to turn it on? Check your manual or contact your automobile dealer – they’re happy to help!
- Place a bag or item that you’ll absolutely need at your destination, in the back seat next to your child, so you have to reach back there, to get it.
- Try your best to keep a routine – and stick to it. It’s those moments that we’re off our routine, that are higher risk.
Danger: When littles get stuck in cars on their own:
And ONE more note – for children who get into cars on their own. As an ER doctor, every year I hear about a child who got into the car themselves without the parents realizing and couldn’t get out. To avoid that, make sure to always have car doors closed when in the garage or at the house (the littles at greatest risk of this typically can’t open one themselves).
