40 U.S. Children Die Annually in Hot Cars: Prevention Urged
Tragically, around 40 children in the U.S. lose their lives each year due to heatstroke after being left or trapped in hot cars. This alarming issue, predominantly affecting the southern and south-western regions, underscores the urgent need for awareness and prevention.
The risk is exacerbated by the fact that children are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses than adults. Even on mild days, temperatures inside cars can soar, reaching 100°F (38°C) when it's only 60°F (16°C) outside. In just 10 minute timer, a car's interior can rise by 20°F (11°C) on a sunny day. Despite common misconceptions, cracking a window or parking in the shade offers little respite.
Most hot car deaths occur due to a momentary lapse in memory. To mitigate this, parents are advised to place personal items in the back seat as a reminder to check for their child before exiting the car. Additionally, positioning the child's car seat on the passenger side can improve visibility from the driver's seat.
Heatstroke in children can lead to severe complications such as irregular heart rhythm, organ failure, brain swelling, and sadly, death. It's crucial to remember that it's never safe to leave a child in a closed car, even for a brief period. Awareness and vigilance can help prevent these tragic incidents.
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