Beware of Leaving Children in Hot Vehicles this Summer

In 2010 a record 49 children died of heat stroke in cars<br /> <br /> With hot summer days ahead, KidsAndCars.org is warning parents and caregivers to take extra precautions to prevent leaving children alone in cars. Through May 31 this year 8 children had already died of heat stroke in vehicles - close to the record-setting pace of 2010 when 49 infants and children died.<br /> <br /> "It's a record no one wants to see broken," says Janette Fennell, founder and president of KidsAndCars.org, a national nonprofit child safety organization working to prevent injuries and deaths of children in and around motor vehicles. Since the group began tracking data and working on the issue in 1998, more than 500 children have died in these preventable tragedies.<br /> <br /> A child's body temperature climbs three to five times faster than an adult's, especially in a hot car. 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.<br /> <br /> Unfortunately, even the most conscientious parents can overlook a sleeping baby in a car. "The biggest mistake people make is to think 'It couldn't happen to me,'" Fennell said. "Memory experts point out that if you've ever forgotten a pot left burning on the stove, you've seen how easy it is to have a dangerous memory lapse." <br /> <br /> To prevent vehicular heat stroke deaths, KidsAndCars.org recommends learning the following BESAFE tips. You could also tape them to the dashboard.<br /> <br /> Be safe