As the summer season arrives, parents, grandparents and caregivers across the country are facing new routines and busy schedules. However, amidst all the hustle and bustle, there is an insidious danger that can have fatal consequences in a matter of minutes. The danger is the summer heat, which can be deadly when combined with forgetting that a child is in your car. Tragically, we are reminded of this reality far too often.
According to the statistics, 29 children died of heatstroke in vehicles in 2023; 33 children died in cars from heatstroke in 2022; 38 children lost their lives to heatstroke in 2021 while being left inside a vehicle. This is a staggering number and the average number of deaths recorded in the US in 2019 and 2020 was 56. Since 1990, over 1,000 children under the age of 3 have died due to heat-related incidents where they were left inside a vehicle. The loss of life of any child is a tragedy and it is heartbreaking to know that these incidents could have been easily prevented.
It is important to understand that even a few minutes in a hot car can be fatal. For instance, a car left in 80-degree temperature in direct sunlight can reach 99 degrees within just 10 minutes. After 20 minutes, the temperature inside the car increases 109 degrees. Within 30 minutes, it can reach 114 degrees, and within one hour, temperatures can soar to 123 degrees inside the vehicle. With temperatures in the 90s and triple digits, the temperature inside the car can reach over 170 degrees. It's worth noting that hot-car fatalities have even been recorded in temperatures as low as 58 degrees.
In light of these alarming statistics, the Lilburn Police Department is urging everyone to be vigilant and "look before you lock." We understand that everyone can get distracted, especially when we have a lot on our minds. It can be easy to forget that a child or pet is still in the vehicle. Therefore, it is essential to keep reminders such as bracelets or notes on your windshield or house door if you're prone to forgetfulness. You can also consider placing your cell phone next to the child's car seat or keeping their favorite toy on the passenger seat to remind you.
It is crucial to remember that a child should never be left alone in a car for any reason. Even a second can be too long. There is always a risk that someone could take the car or the child and young children have been known to put vehicles into gear and find loaded guns inside. As parents and caregivers, we must take responsibility for our actions and avoid these deadly mistakes that have lasting consequences. "I had the windows rolled down" is not an excuse that will hold up in any court.
This is also a strong reminder to never, never leave your pets inside vehicles when going into a store or wherever you might park thinking they are ok because they have water and the windows are cracked. Dogs don’t have the ability to sweat like humans and can die within minutes in the interior of a vehicle. This is also a sure way to catch a felony animal cruelty charge. I saw this happen in a case I worked from a careless dog owner. Plan ahead if you have stops to make and have pets with you.
We encourage everyone to be vigilant and keep an eye out for anything unusual. If you see something out of place, call 911 immediately. Record the tag number. Take a picture if you can. Your intervention may be the difference between life and death.
We must work together to prevent these preventable tragedies. Please remember to be vigilant, take precautions, and most of all, stay safe during this summer season.