With the start of the summer season right around the corner, officials with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are joining efforts with Safe Kids Worldwide and other health professionals to raise awareness about the risks of child fatalities in hot vehicles.
There have already been eight of these fatal incidents reported in the United States this year, according to CNN. That’s why officials with the NHTSA are asking “Where’s baby? Look before you lock.” it’s a national safety campaign and it’s working to save children, the ones who may not have a voice for themselves.
Our Bronx child injury attorneys understand that the risks for these kinds of accidents typically rise in the month of May. Unfortunately, you don’t have to be a “bad” parent to be involved in one of these accidents. Oftentimes, they’re accidentally committed by some of the most loving and caring parents. Sometimes the thought just slips our mind.
“Child heatstroke in a hot car can happen to any caregiver from any walk of life, even to the most loving and conscientious parents,” said David Strickland, Administrator with the NHTSA.
Here in the city, we’re seeing temperatures in the 80s, which can end up serving up some deadly consequences. With these temps, it only takes a matter of minutes for a vehicle to heat up to deadly levels. Don’t let these unexpected risks take hold of your family.
To help to prevent one of these accidents, we’re asking parents and caregivers alike to read and share the following safety tips:
-Never leave a child alone in a vehicle. You shouldn’t do it even if the windows are down and the a/c is on. These methods have been proven ineffective in preventing heatstroke-related injuries and fatalities.
-Make sure that children know to never play in or around vehicles when an adult is not around.
-Place something in the front seat to remind you to check the backseat before exiting and leaving your vehicle. You can place a stuffed animal or a post-it to help remind you.
-Try keeping something important, like a purse, cell phone or briefcase, in the back seat so you will be forced to go in the backseat before leaving a vehicle.
-Talk with your babysitters and/or your childcare providers to make sure they have the same understanding regarding these risks and preventative measures.
-Always keep your keys out of the reach of children. You never want to allow them access to your vehicle. It’s not a play area.
-If you see a child that is alone in a vehicle, call 9-1-1 immediately. Try to get the child out and into a cool area as quickly as possible. Your action can help to reduce their risks of serious injury or death.
“It has everything to do with our brains letting us down at the worst possible moment,” said Janette Fennell from KidsAndCars.org.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose, PLLC offers free consultations. Call 1-877-313-7673.
More Blog Entries:
Child Baseball Injuries in Queens Often a Preventable Summer Risk, New York Injury lawyer Blog, May 22, 2013
New York Birth Injury Lawsuit Victory Nets $130M Verdict, New York Injury lawyer Blog, May 8, 2013
