It's the first day of summer and it definitely feels like it. Hot temperatures over the next couple of days, may feel nice, but come with some dangers. One of those dangers, could put your child's life at risk.
Every summer, there are tragic deaths when children are left alone in a hot car. Sadly, it can happen in 5 minutes or less.
According to the safety group Kids & Cars Inc., more than 600 U.S. children have died since 1990 from overheating in a hot car.
Sometimes this happens when a driver forgets the child is there. It can also happen when a child gets into unlocked cars without an adult knowing.
Already this year, a total of four children have died over the last two weeks after being left in hot cars.
Advocacy groups are emphasizing that drivers need to look before they lock.
"So the idea is to open that back door every single time you park your vehicle and check the back seat," said Amber Andreasen with Kidsandcars.org.
The auto industry is taking steps to prevent these incidents. Beginning with its 2017 Acadia SUV, General Motors is equipping each with a rear seat reminder displayed on the dashboard as well as a chime that sounds.
A few good rules to follow include:
-No exceptions, no matter how brief
-Remind yourself by leaving your purse or diaper bag in the backseat
-Don't let your kids play in your car
-Make sure your car's doors are locked when you're not using it
-If your child takes the school bus, make sure the transportation company follows safety protocols
If you notice a child alone in a hot vehicle, call 911 immediately. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website, if the child looks like they're in distress due to the heat, get them out as quickly as possible.
