Some dangers are less obvious than others. Each year across the country tragic accidents occur because children are left unattended in or around vehicles. In addition to temperatures that can skyrocket inside a vehicle within minutes leaving children susceptible to heat stroke, there are other dangers. They include backovers, frontovers, power window accidents, trunk entrapment, vehicles set into motion, car jacking and abduction. It’s important for parents and caregivers to remember that most of these things can happen within seconds.
According to Kids and Cars more than two dozen children have died this year from heat related or other accidents involving vehicles. They’re promoting a campaign from ACF, Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Safe Kids USA, called Look Before You Lock, which distributes safety cards to new parents and others reminding them to take steps to avoid forgetting a child in a vehicle.
The following video was produced by Safe Kids:
CTF initiated its Not Even for a Minute campaign in 2001 as a way to educate caregivers about the dangers of leaving a child unattended in or around vehicles. The campaign has since been shared with and adopted in other states. CTF offers several public education materials from the campaign. They are available at no cost in hard copy and download (pdf) and include a poster and rack card complete with helpful tips and reminders. The NEFAM Campaign also includes television and radio public service announcements:
AUDIO: Not Even for A Minute Radio Campaign
Kids and Cars also urges parents to BESAFE by following these tips:
Back seat – Put something in the back seat so you have to open the door when leaving the vehicle.
Every child should be correctly restrained in the back seat.
Stuffed animal – Move it from the car seat to the front seat as a reminder.
Ask your child-care provider to call within 10 min if your child hasn’t arrived on time.
Focus on driving – Avoid cell phone calls and texting while driving.
Every time you park your vehicle open the back door to make sure no one has been left behind.
