Preventing Hot Car Death
If you've watched the news this week, you know that one of the most preventable tragedies has occurred again in our valley of the sun, and a small child has died after being trapped in a car. It's easy to judge and think, "that would never happen to me." Accidents happen, even without extenuating circumstances. Vision Collision has compiled a list of 10 Steps you can take to help stop and prevent Hot Car Death. Employing these habits will help minimize your family's risk of the unthinkable happening.
It is important to note that car heat related deaths often occur when there is a deviation from the routine, such as when a different parent drives the child than the person who does it usually, or when the destination is different, or when a child is being driven by someone not usually responsible for him or her. By building your routine around these safety habits, rather than around route, schedule, or passengers, the safeguards will stand a better chance of persisting even when the other factors vary. Practice them every time you operate your vehicle, and keep a watchful eye for children left in vehicles.
Always check the backseat of a car when exiting it. Always. Checking even when you know you do not have a child with you will help ensure you employ the practice when you do.
Place a large, soft stuffed animal in the child's car seat when the child is not in it. When the child is riding in it, move the animal to the front seat to remind you that the teddy bear's seat is otherwise occupied. A bright color that will catch your eye is even better.
Place your purse, wallet, cell phone, briefcase, ID Badge, lunch bag, or other item you use daily in the back seat next to the child. Chances are, you have been carrying these items daily for years, and the habit of checking the car for them is deeply ingrained. Put the diaper bag on the front seat to remind you of the child in the back seat.
Always telephone the childcare provider or other party expecting you to notify them if the child will not be attending that day. Ask the expectant party to call you in the event of a no-call, no-show.
Always lock your vehicle when not in use and place the keys, fobs, and remotes, out of the reach of children. Several deaths have occurred when small children have endeavored to "play" or "hide" in cars and have become trapped, completely unbeknownst to the caregivers. By the same token, if a child is missing, always check vehicles and trunks first.
Set an alarm on your cell phone to sound around the time you arrive at your destination. If possible, even record a custom ring tone with your own voice, reminding you to check the back seat.
When possible, leave small children in the care of another adult when you run errands. Reducing the amount of time your child is in a vehicle also reduces their risk of being in a collision.
Never consume alcohol to excess, or medications or substances that will impair your alertness when you are in care of a child.
If you see a child trapped in a hot car, call 911 immediately. If the child appears to be in immediate distress that cannot wait for emergency personnel, check for an unlocked door and if none is found, break a window. While Arizona has no official legal protection for this type of Good Samaritan, a child's safety outweighs broken glass.
Never ever leave a child in a car unattended, for any reason. Regardless of if the car is on or off. Not even if the windows are cracked. Not even if it feels cool outside. Not even for one minute.
Vision Collision reminds you that hot car death is 100% preventable. What can you do to help end this terrible kind of tragedy?
Did we miss any tips? What would you include?
