With the weather forecast calling for temps in the 90s on some days, AAA is offering up safety tips to help motorists keep their children and pets safe. Forecasts could include some of the hottest weather so far this summer season.
Excessive heat can pose great risks to motorists. Within just a few minutes the inside of a car can become dangerously hot, and Michigan’s forecasted heatwave presents a greater risk for heatstroke tragedies.
AAA says in a news release, since 1998, 917 children have died due to Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke according to noheatstroke.org.
Despite warnings from safety organizations, each year children continue to die from this needless tragedy.
Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group, says quote, “People often think that something like this could never happen to them,”. She adds, “However, many heatstroke deaths are accidents, where a parent or caregiver forgets the child is in the back seat.”
AAA-The Auto Club Group suggests the following safety tips to help keep children safe:
don’t leave them alone, not even for a minute - never leave children unattended in a vehicle - even if the windows are open or the air conditioning is running.
Put keys out of sight - always lock your vehicle – even in driveways and garages - and keep keys out of children's reach. And, call for help - If you see a child or pet alone in the car, call 911 immediately and follow the instructions of emergency personnel.
AAA adds, the soaring temps in a vehicle can also place your pets at risk. Never leave an animal in a parked car, even if the windows are partially open.
