As weather throughout the U.S. warms up, regulators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are warning parents and caregivers to think “Where’s Baby? Look before you lock.”

The goal of this campaign is to remind parents that children who are left in vehicles when the weather is warm can suffer severe, if not fatal, heatstrokes. To get the word out about this campaign, the NHTSA will reportedly be running online and radio ads for the next 18 weeks or so.

Facts and Stats on Heatstroke Deaths

warning sign with tire treads

According to the NHTSA:

  • When the outside temperature is in the low 80’s, it only takes about 10 minutes for the temperature within vehicles to reach dangerous and deadly levels – even if the windows are rolled down a few inches.
  • Children younger than 4 years old have the greatest risk of developing heatstroke (or other heat-related illnesses).
  • When children’s body temperatures reach 107˚, they will die.
  • Heatstrokes are 100 percent preventable.

Tips for Parents: How to Minimize the Risks of Heatstroke for Children

  • Never leave your child alone in a vehicle, regardless of whether the AC is on, the windows are down, etc.
  • Before locking your vehicle and walking away, always double check the front and back seats.
  • Put a stuffed animal, a child’s jacket or some other item of the child’s in the front seat as a reminder that a child is in the backseat.
  • Request that your child’s school or daycare call you if the child does not show up when (s)he is expected to.
  • Make sure that children understand that vehicles are not toys or areas to play around. And keep vehicle keys out of kids’ reach.
  • When a child appears to be in distress due to heat/overheating, cool that child down ASAP and get immediate medical attention.

Kingston Car Accident Attorney at Charles N. Rock, P.L.L.C.

Have you or someone you love been injured in a car accident? Or have you lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident?

If so, you can turn to Kingston Car Accident Attorney Charles N. Rock for aggressive legal advocacy and effective help obtaining the compensation to which you may be entitled. For nearly two decades, Charles N. Rock has been committed to defending the rights of injured people, and he will work tirelessly to help his clients secure the compensation and justice they deserve.