Kids Safe from Danger of Hot Car

At least five U.S. children have died in overheated cars this year, but experts say there are a number of steps that parents can take to prevent such tragedies.The most recent death occurred last week when a 3-year-old boy in Idaho climbed into a unlocked car at his home, and was later found by his family, according to the Associated Press. Just nine days earlier, an 18-month-old girl in Florida died when her mother, a teacher, left the toddler in a parked car outside the school all day, The Washington Post reported.

Unfortunately, such tragedies happen every year, often in the summer months. Since 1998, an average of 37 U.S. children have died each year when they were left in cars that overheated, according to a website that tracks hot car deaths; the site is run by Jan Null, a lecturer in meteorology and climate science at San Jose State University.

At least five U.S. children have died in overheated cars this year, but experts say there are a number of steps that parents can take to prevent such tragedies. The most recent death occurred last week when a 3-year-old boy in Idaho climbed into a unlocked car at his home, and was later found by his family, according to the Associated Press. Just nine days earlier, an 18-month-old girl in Florida died when her mother, a teacher, left the toddler in a parked car outside the school all day, The Washington Post reported. Unfortunately, such tragedies happen every year, often in the summer months. Since 1998, an average of 37 U.S. children have died each year when they were left in cars that overheated, according to a website that tracks hot car deaths; the site is run by Jan Null, a lecturer in meteorology and climate science at San Jose State University.

Often, these accidents happen when parents forget that their children are in the vehicle, as was the case with the Florida death. Among 636 children who died in hot cars over the last two decades, about half were forgotten by an adult who was taking care of them, according to San Jose State University.

Being busy, distracted or preoccupied with the workday, or trying to multitask, may cause some parents to forget about their children in the back of the car.To prevent child deaths in parked cars, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends the following:

•Never leave children by themselves in a car, even if you have the windows open or the air conditioning on.

•Create reminders for yourself to check the back seat of the car, such as placing a briefcase or a purse in the back.

•Ask the childcare provider to let you know if the child doesn't show up at day care as expected.

•Keep car keys out of children's reach and keep car doors locked; teach children not to play in the car.

To prevent child deaths in parked cars, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends the following: Never leave children by themselves in a car, even if you have the windows open or the air conditioning on. Create reminders for yourself to check the back seat of the car, such as placing a briefcase or a purse in the back. Ask the childcare provider to let you know if the child doesn't show up at day care as expected. Keep car keys out of children's reach and keep car doors locked; teach children not to play in the car.