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Kids and Cars Safety Tips

The Township of Union Police Department, in conjunction with the Kids in Cars Program, would like to remind adults of the dangers of leaving a child unattended in or around a motor vehicle.

Lots of caring and responsible parents have left their children alone in or around a car, not realizing the risks involved.  Some parents think it is okay to leave a child alone in a car while they run into a store, quickly drop off dry cleaning or while dropping off another child at school.  The dangers are real.  The results of leaving a child unattended in or around a vehicle can be deadly.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that from July 1, 200 thorough June 30, 2001, an estimated 9,160 children, aged 14 and younger were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments for injuries caused by being left unattended in or around motor vehicles.

            It is dangerous to leave children unattended in or around a vehicle because: 

·         Children are naturally curious.  They like to pretend to drive, and they can set the vehicle in motion. 

·         Young children are very vulnerable to high eat.  Vehicle interiors rapidly heat up to dangerous levels, even with a window partially open.  Heat stroke can lead to permanent brain damage and death in a matter of minutes. 

·        Drivers have difficulty seeing small children when they are backing up and could inadvertently back over a child. 

·        Young children are impulsive, unpredictable and move very fast.  They can quickly get in the path of a moving vehicle. 

·         Young children have very poor judgment and little understanding of danger.  They are not aware of the hazards of motor vehicles. 

·         Children love to play hide-n-seek.  Car trunks can be deadly hiding places. 

·        Children left in vehicles with keys in the ignition are at risk of being taken with the vehicle. 

·        Children can activate power accessories and become trapped in windows or sunroofs. 

SAFETY TIPS 

·       Children should NEVER be left alone in a vehicle, not even to run a quick errand. 

·         Keep vehicles locked at all times, even in the garage or driveway. 

·         Keys should never be left within reach of children. 

·        Always make sure that all child passengers have left the vehicle after it is parked. 

·         Walk around and behind a vehicle prior to moving it. 

·        Make sure that another adult is properly supervising children before moving your vehicle. 

·         Consider installing cross-view mirrors and/or a back up detection device on your vehicle. 

·         If a child is locked inside a car, get them out as quickly as possible.  If they are very hot or seem sick, call 9 1 1 or your local emergency number immediately.

·         When a child is missing, check vehicles and car trunks right away. 

·         Teach your children to never play in, around, or behind a vehicle.