Please Do Not Forgot About Your Babies!!!

Already in 2008 there have been at least twenty-three deaths of infants and children after being left inside a hot vehicle. Last year there were a total of at least thirty-five such fatalities in the United States due to hyperthermia after they were left in hot cars, trucks, vans and SUV's. This sadly followed 42 and 30 child deaths in 2006 and 2005 respectively. Since 1998 there have been at least a total of 364 of these needless tragedies. This study shows that these incidents can occur on days with relatively mild (i.e., ~ 70 degrees F) temperatures and vehicles can occur reach life-threatening temperatures very rapidly.

STATISTICS

Total number of U.S. hyperthermia deaths of children left in cars, 2008: 23
Total number of U.S. hyperthermia deaths of children left in cars, 2007: 35
Total number of U.S. hyperthermia deaths of children left in cars, 1998-2008: 387
Average number of U.S. child hyperthermia fatalities per year since 1998: 36

LEGAL
Only 14 states have laws prohibiting leaving a child unattended in a vehicle.
The remaining 36 states do not have laws specifically against leaving a child unattended in a vehicle.

Currently 9 states have proposed legislation that would make it a crime to leave a child unattended in a vehicle .

Another 7 states have had previously proposed unattended child laws.

An Associated Press (AP) study "Wide disparity exists in sentences for leaving kids to die in hot cars" examined both the frequency of prosecutions and length of sentences in hyperthermia deaths- Charges were files in 49% of all the deaths. 81% resulted in convictions.- In cases with paid caregivers (i.e., childcare workers, babysitters) 84% were charged and 96% convicted- Only 7% of the cases involved drugs or alcohol.

States with "Unattended Child" Lawsclick to enlarge

MEDICAL

Heatstroke occurs when a person's temperature exceeds 104 degrees F and their thermoregulatory mechanism is overwhelmed - Symptoms include : dizziness, disorientation, agitation, confusion, sluggishness, seizure, hot dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty, loss of consciousness, rapid heart beat, hallucinations.

A core body temperature of 107 degrees F is considered lethal as cells are damaged and internal organs shut down.

Children's thermoregulatory systems are not as efficient as an adult's and their bodies warm at a rate 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s.

VEHICLE HEATING DYNAMICS

The atmosphere and windows are relatively “transparent” to the sun’s shortwave radiation (yellow in figure below) and are warmed little. The shortwave energy does however warm objects that it strikes. A dark dashboard or seat can easily reach temperatures in excess of 180 degrees F.

These objects (e.g., dashboard, steering wheel, childseat) heat the adjacent air by conduction and convection and also give off longwave radiation (red) which is very efficient at warming the air trapped inside a vehicle.

SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS

NEVER LEAVE A CHILD UNATTENDED IN A VEHICLE. NOT EVEN FOR A MINUTE !

Be sure that all occupants leave the vehicle when unloading. Don't overlook sleeping babies.

Always lock your car and ensure children do not have access to keys or remote entry devices. If a child is missing, check the car first, including the trunk. Teach your children that vehicles are never to be used as a play area.

Keep a stuffed animal in the carseat and when the child is put in the seat place the animal in the front with the driver.

Or place your purse or briefcase in the back seat as a reminder that you have your child in the car.

Make "look before you leave" a routine whenever you get out of the car.

Have a plan that your childcare provider will call you if your child does not show up for school.