Welcome to the seventh article in our series, “Summer Driving Safety Tips and Tricks.” Today, we’ll discuss the critical topic of child and pet safety, preventing car heatstroke in children and pets. If you missed our previous articles, be sure to check out our discussions on keeping your car cool, preparing for road trips, handling heavy traffic, sun safety for drivers, driving in summer storms, and fuel efficiency tips.
The Dangers of Leaving Children and Pets in Hot Cars
Heatstroke is a severe and potentially fatal condition that occurs when the body overheats. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke in vehicles because:
- A car’s interior can heat up by 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes.
- A child’s body temperature rises 3-5 times faster than an adult’s.
- Pets can’t sweat to cool themselves down as humans do.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 29 children died of vehicular heatstroke in 2023. These tragedies are preventable with proper awareness and precautions.
Tips for Keeping Young Passengers and Pets Cool and Safe
- Never Leave Children or Pets Alone in a Vehicle: Not even for a minute. No exceptions.
- Create Reminders: Place something you need at your final destination (like a phone or wallet) in the back seat next to your child or pet.
- Use Technology: Many newer vehicles have rear seat reminder systems. You can also download apps that send reminders to check the back seat.
- Keep Your Car Locked: When your vehicle is parked, keep the doors locked so children can’t get inside.
- Educate Caregivers: Ensure that anyone who cares for your child knows about the dangers of hot cars.
- Use Window Shades: When traveling with children or pets, use window shades to keep the back seat cooler.
- Plan Ahead for Pet Travel: If you’re traveling with a pet, plan your route to include pet-friendly stops where your animal can safely exit the vehicle.
Signs of Heatstroke and What to Do in an Emergency
Recognizing the signs of heatstroke can save lives. Look out for:
In Children:
- Red, hot, and moist or dry skin
- No sweating
- Strong, rapid pulse or slow, weak pulse
- Nausea
- Confusion or strange behavior
In Pets:
- Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
- Increased heart and respiratory rate
- Drooling
- Mild weakness
- Stupor or collapsing
If you see a child or pet alone in a hot vehicle:
- Call 911 immediately.
- If the child is responsive, stay with them until help arrives.
- If the child is unresponsive, try to get into the car to remove them – even if it means breaking a window.
- Begin cooling the child or pet immediately:
- Move them to a cooler area
- Remove excess clothing
- Apply cool water to their skin
- Fan them to promote sweating and evaporation
Legal Implications of Leaving Children or Pets in Hot Cars
In many states, it’s illegal to leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle, especially during hot weather. Penalties can range from fines to criminal charges, particularly if harm comes to the child or pet. Some states have “Good Samaritan” laws that protect individuals who break into a vehicle to save a child or pet in distress.
In Tennessee, it is illegal to leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, particularly during hot weather. The state has specific laws addressing this issue, including legal consequences and protections for bystanders who intervene.
Preventing Car Heatstroke: A Community Effort
Preventing car heatstroke is not just a parent’s or pet owner’s responsibility—it’s a community effort. Here’s how everyone can help:
- Be Aware: If you see a child or pet alone in a car, take action.
- Spread Awareness: Share information about the dangers of hot cars with friends, family, and on social media.
- Support Safety Initiatives: Back local and national efforts to increase car safety features and awareness campaigns.
Conclusion
Preventing car heatstroke is crucial for the safety of our children and pets. By following these tips and staying vigilant, we can work together to prevent these tragic incidents. Remember, it only takes a few minutes for a car to become dangerously hot, so always check your back seat and never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.
Stay tuned for our final article in this series, where we’ll provide a comprehensive summer maintenance checklist for your vehicle.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a traffic accident or incident involving a child or pet left in a hot car, Stillman & Friedland Attorneys are here to help. Our experienced team can guide you through the legal process, ensuring you understand your rights and options. Call our Nashville team at 615-244-2111 for a free, confidential consultation. You can also reach out via our live chat or online contact form.
Stay safe and vigilant out there, Nashville.
Because we care…
Stillman and Friedland
