As residents across the valley experience high temperatures and the first heat advisory of the year issued by the National Weather Service today, they are also faced with the danger that heat brings to their motor vehicles. It may seem unthinkable for a child to be locked inside a vehicle, especially during Arizona’s brutal summer months; however last year, AAA Arizona responded to more than 288 calls to unlock cars with children inside
“The higher temperatures get, the more dangerous these incidents become,” said AAA Arizona Public Affairs Manager Linda Gorman. “During the summer months, it only takes a matter of minutes for the temperature inside a vehicle to reach over 160 degrees Fahrenheit given our desert climate.”
The average number of these types of calls that the auto club receives each year only account for a small percent of the total “lockout” calls AAA received in 2007. However, this still means AAA’s roadside assistance rescues an average of 24 children locked in vehicles each month. It is also important to point out that the actual number is much higher as these figures do not include pets or motorists who call the police or fire departments to assist with “lockout” situations.
“Every summer, we hear the tragic stories of children & pets left in vehicles,” said Gorman. “Often times, the results are fatal. This is why it is especially important to never leave children or pets alone in a vehicle, even for a minute.”
To avert this type of tragedy, AAA Arizona would like to offer the following tips to Arizona motorists:
· Never leave your vehicle running with children or pets in the car. Many vehicles have automatic locking systems for security reasons, which means if you leave your car running & shut the door, your vehicle may automatically lock you out.
· Be alert when you walk past cars in parking lots or alongside the street. Listen for noise & look for movement. If you spot a child or pet inside a locked vehicle, call 911 & follow their instructions.
· Always lock your vehicle & keep your keys out of sight so your children cannot get to them.
· Warn your children about the dangers of playing in or around vehicles.
· Always get your children & pets out of the car first & then worry about getting shopping bags, groceries, etc.
· Teach your child never to play in the trunk. Keep the rear fold-down seats closed to help prevent kids from getting into the trunk from inside the car.
· Make sure child & pet care providers or anyone who transports your children or pets understand that children & pets should never be left alone inside a vehicle.