BOISE – As temperatures climb across the Gem State, AAA is warning drivers never to leave children or pets in hot cars.
A child’s body temperature rises 3 to 5 times faster than that of an adult, and the inside temperature of a vehicle can increase by 20 degrees or more in as little as 10 minutes – even when a vehicle is parked in the shade with the windows cracked. Heatstroke generally occurs when a body’s internal temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit – a level that could easily be reached over the weekend, especially inside a parked car.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, on average, 37 children die each year due to vehicular heatstroke nationwide.
“This weekend’s sweltering conditions are an important reminder that when it comes to safety, there’s no such thing as a quick errand that would justify leaving someone in a hot car,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “We’d never leave ice cream in our car on a summer day – in fact, we protect it with a sense of urgency. We need the same mindset with children and pets.”
With children out of school, many adults are experiencing changes in their routine and errands. AAA urges drivers to leave their phone or wallet in the back seat as a reminder to check for children before exiting the vehicle.
Additional tips to prevent heatstroke include:
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Make alternate arrangements for kids and pets if they can’t accompany you into an air-conditioned building. In some cases, it may be better to leave them at home in the care of a responsible adult or babysitter.
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Lock your vehicle at home, and keep the keys out of reach.
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Never allow children to play in or on your vehicle, including the trunk.
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Make sure children and pets stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat.
“We really need help to spread the word,” Conde said. “We invite people to share this message on social media and with friends and family. It could save a life.”