BOISE – Soaring temperatures are a stark reminder to never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle. AAA reminds drivers to always bring kids with you when entering a home or business, as there is no such thing as a “quick errand.”
“It doesn’t matter if you leave the windows cracked or park your car in the shade – the risk of heatstroke and even death remains,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “A vehicle’s temperature can climb 20 degrees or more in just ten minutes, and since the human body begins shutting down around 104 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving a child or pet in a vehicle for any amount of time creates an unacceptable risk.”
AAA warns drivers not to be lulled into a false sense of security. Occasional cooler weather or the comfort of a climate-controlled building can affect decision-making about the dangers of hot cars. A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult, which can cause adults to underestimate how dire the situation may be.
“We used to say that it was a good idea to leave your purse or wallet in the back seat to motivate people to check for kids before they exit the vehicle. That may still do the trick, but an even better idea is to leave your phone back there – these days, most people won’t go very far without noticing that it’s gone,” Conde said. “Plus, you avoid the risk of dangerous distractions behind the wheel, so it’s a win-win.”
Leaving a car running with a child inside is a bad idea because doing so could lead to vehicle theft. The best solution is to either bring kids into the store with you or to make arrangements for them to stay at home with a responsible parent or babysitter.
If you see a child or pet unattended in a vehicle, call 911 immediately for further instructions.