Seven Ways to Prevent Leaving Your Child In The Car

It’s a story that happens all too often. Just within the past week, two children, in separate situations, passed away in Phoenix after accidentally being left in the family car. These deaths have been so common lately that a Utah Police Officer spent 20 minutes locked in his hot car to demonstrate a terrifying lesson to parents. In this experiment that was shared via Facebook, the officer had paramedics measure his heart rate, blood pressure and temperature before he turned off the car. After 20 minutes in the 91 degree heat, the car’s temperature rose to 102 degrees. His heart rate rose from 82 to 127 and his blood pressure changed form 166/82 to 127/82. This was a grown man;  the terrifying fact is that a child’s body temperature can raise five times faster than an adult's. It’s August here in Arizona, and the temperatures are sky high. We want to try to help prevent these terrible accidents. Don’t let it happen to you or someone you love, please read these seven steps that could prevent you from leaving your child in the car. 

1. Look Before You Lock

We know it’s easy to get caught up in happenings of day-to-day life, but perform a quick scan of the car before locking it. This simple step could have saved the lives of hundreds of children.

2. Put Something In Your Backseat

Always put one of your most valuable items in the backseat. This could be your briefcase, laptop, ID or phone; something that you would need as soon as you get out of the car. Forgetting a child in the backseat happens all the time; this will ensure you check the backseat before you exit the vehicle.  

3. Bring A Toy

Keep a stuffed animal in the car seat when your child is not in it. When he/she is in the car seat, make the stuffed animal ride in the front seat. The toy will act a reminder that your child is in the backseat.

4. Always Lock

When you have made sure no children are in the car, make sure to lock it. This will prevent younger children from wandering and falling asleep in the hot car.

5. Hide Keys/Key Fobs

You may have locked your car, but if your keys are accessible, then your child could play with them and wander into the car without your knowledge. Keep them hidden.

6. Make A Plan

Make a plan with your child’s daycare or school. If your child doesn’t show up without prior notice, then someone from the daycare or school should call you to locate your child. This would notify you that you left your child in the car and give you time to retrieve him/her. 

7. Don’t Hesitate to Call 911

If you see a child alone in a car, do not hesitate to call 911. Simple as that. Don’t assume that the parent will be back soon, act quickly and ensure the safety of that child. A window can be replaced, a child cannot. 

People think all the time that it can’t happen to them, yet it does every day. Be smart, follow these seven tips the next time you leave your vehicle.