Organization warns about the risk of heat stroke in vehicles

Austin, TX – In 2010, 49 children ages 2 months to 6 years died of heat stroke after being left unattended in vehicles – a record number in a single year, according to Washington-based Safe Kids USA. This month, Safe Kids and the General Motors Foundation launched the “Never Leave Your Child Alone in a Car” campaign to educate the public on the dangers of leaving children in vehicles.

Safe Kids urges parents and caregivers to take the following precautions:

• Lock cars and trucks. Approximately 30 percent of recorded heat stroke deaths occurred when a child was playing in an unattended vehicle.
• Dial 911 immediately if you see an unattended child in a car.
• If a child is missing, check vehicles and trunks first.
• Create reminders. Deaths often occur when a parent or caregiver becomes distracted and leaves the vehicle without the child.