Forgetfulness
It’s summertime again. Along with kids being out of school, new routines for parents, and hectic schedules, there resides a lurking danger that, within minutes, can have deadly consequences. That danger is the summer heat along with forgetting there is a child in your car.
Far too often, we are reminded of this tragedy.
In 2021, 38 children died as a result of heatstroke due to being left inside a vehicle. The prior two years saw an average of 56 deaths in the U.S. Since, 1990, over 1,000 children under the age of 3 have died due to heat-related vehicle deaths. This is a total tragedy for everyone involved and it’s totally preventable.
A car left in 80-degree temperature in direct sunlight can rise to 99 degrees in 10 minutes. After 20 minutes, the temperature hits 109 degrees. In 30 minutes, 114 degrees.
After one hour, temps reach 123 inside the vehicle. With temperatures in the 90’s and triple digits, temps can reach over 170 degrees. That said, hot car fatalities have been recorded in temperatures as low as 58 degrees.
The Lilburn Police Department would like to remind everyone to “look before you lock.” We are often distracted by phone calls as we pull up to our homes and our minds are often elsewhere.
Keep reminders, such as bracelets, notes on your windshield or house door if you are prone to distractions or forgetfulness. A good idea may be to place your cell phone next to the car seat, before you drive off, or keep the child’s favorite toy on the passenger seat as a reminder.
A child should never be left alone in a car for any reason! Even for a second!
A vehicle can be stolen. A child could be taken. Young children have been known to put vehicles into gear and find loaded guns. As parents and caregivers, we have a responsibility to avoid these deadly mistakes that have tragic and lasting consequences.
“I had the windows rolled down” is not an excuse.
Look before you lock!
Be alert in parking lots as you walk to a business or store. If you see something out of place, call 911 immediately! Record the tag number and take a picture.
You just may be the difference between life and death.