Not Even for a Minute...Never Leave a Child alone in a Car
The Children's Trust Fund's "Not Even for a Minute" campaign encourages parents and caregivers to not leave children unattended in or around automobiles. Left alone in a vehicle for a short time, a child is in danger of dehydration, injury, abduction and even death.
This is a car accident that can be prevented!
Temperatures in cars soar quickly. According to National SAFE KIDS, when the outside temperature is 93 degrees Fahrenheit, even with a window cracked, the temperature inside a car can reach 125 degrees in just 20 minutes, and can reach 140 degrees in 40 minutes. In these extreme conditions, children can die or suffer a permanent disability in a matter of minutes.
- Never leave children alone or unsupervised in an automobile, not even with the windows down. This applies to pets as well.
- Always lock car doors and trunks, even at home. Unlocked cars pose a risk to children who are naturally curious and often lack fear.
- Always put your keys in a safe and secure place and keep them out of children's reach.
- Teach your children the dangers of a car and let them know that it is not a toy or playground.
- Check to ensure that all child passengers leave the vehicle when you reach your destination. Don't overlook sleeping infants.
- Be wary of child-resistant locks. Teach older children how to disable the driver's door locks if they become trapped in a car.
- Try to plan ahead when you have a lot of errands to run. Run your errands when a spouse, a trusted neighbor or friend can watch your child.
- Remember to use drive-up windows at your bank, dry cleaners and other businesses that offer them.
For additional information, please visit Kids in Cars at www.kidsincars.org.
