Many parents are unaware of the dangers lurking around parked cars. In 2002, (according to Kids N Cars), there were 312 reported cases of injuries and 113 deaths. Statistics show that one child is run over at least every day in America (per Kids and Cars). By learning what the dangers are and taking preventative methods, you can keep your kids safe around cars.
The Dangers of Parked Cars
What Can Happen in a Split Second:
Children should never be left unattended inside or around vehicles – not even for a minute. Children are fast and injuries/death can happen in a split second. Vehicles are not toys. Listed below are the more common risks:
- Hyperthermia (body temperature rises too high)
- Hypothermia (body temperature falls too low)
- Being accidently run over
- Setting the vehicle into motion
- Strangulation from seatbelts, power windows, moon roof, or other power accessory
- Kidnapping
- Entrapment in truck or locked inside vehicle, unable to get out
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Child leaving the vehicle to look for you
Prevention:
Listed below are some steps you can take to insure your child does not fall victim to the above risks:
- Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle
- Teach children that a car is not a toy. Never allow children to play in or around a vehicle.
- Lock your car at all times, even in a garage
- Keep keys out of children’s reach
- Teach your child how to get out of a vehicle and the truck
- Install a trunk release in your vehicle
- Teach child to never run or play around moving vehicles
- Teach child to look before running into driveway
- When getting into vehicle, check to insure that a child didn’t follow you outside
- Check carefully before moving vehicle, being aware of blind spots
- Purchase or make a sign warning motorists that you have children playing in the driveway.
Additional Resources:
- 4 R Kid’s Sake
- Kids N Cars
- WRAL.com article: Car Power Window Switches Remain A Danger To Children
- MSN Article: Blind Spots, Backover Dangers Gain Attention
- Driveway Barrier