Extreme heat is the top weather-related cause of death in the United States. As we enter the peak of summer, we know it gets hot in the car, especially after the car has been sitting in a parking lot. Due to the greenhouse effect, where the sun’s UV rays enter and cannot escape, cars can heat up very quickly in a matter of minutes. On a 90-degree day, the interior of a car can reach over 100 degrees within 5-minutes, according to the National Weather Service. Even when the weather is around 70 degrees, the interior of a car can reach 115 degrees. Cracking the window does not help, as temperatures will reach the same level due to the absorption of short and long wave radiation from the sun in the interior (console, dashboard) of the car, which can raise those surface temperatures up to 200 degrees.
Double Check for Children and Animals
Leave nothing to chance. Don’t ever leave children or animals in a car—not even for a minute—if you are not there to monitor the air conditioning and ensure their safety. If you have children or animals, make it a habit to check the back every time you get out of your car. On average around 35 children die each year from being left unattended in hot cars. Although many of these are children under 2 whose parents thought they left them at daycare, it can happen to anyone—not just parents of younger children during the workweek or bad parents. Double check the back, especially if there are any changes in your routine or if you don’t feel well.
Good Samaritan Law
In 26 states, the good Samaritan law will protect you from liability if you attempt to rescue a child in distress. However, you should try to contact law enforcement first if you see an animal or adult in danger or distress in a hot car, because fewer states protect rescues that fall under those categories.
AVOID HOT CAR DEATHS…CHECK TWICE!
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