LOUISVILLE, Ky. — With the arrival of summer and sweltering hot days, Indiana State Police warned motorists to not leave precious cargo in the car.
Or more specifically, children and pets.
Even on days where the temperature is more moderate, ISP spokesperson Sgt. John Davis said a parked car with windows up can quickly reach 120 degrees or more.
Over the past 25 years, more than 970 children have died of heatstroke according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
And according to No Heat Stroke, in 2018 and 2019, 53 children died from being in a hot car each year.
"Everyone needs to understand these tragedies can happen to anyone – but are always preventable," Davis said.
How to prevent hot car deaths
- Motorists shouldn't leave children in a vehicle unattended at all; rolling the windows down or parking in the shade doesn't change the interior temperature that much.
- Check your entire vehicle before locking the doors and walking away.
- Place an item in the backseat or write a note to remind yourself to check it.
- Make sure children cannot get ahold of car keys, and teach them the vehicle is not a play area.
Davis added if you see a child alone in a locked car, call 911 immediately.
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