Maine Injury Lawyer Blog
Here in Portland, we’re seeing temperatures flirt with the 80s, and that means that we all need to start paying attention to our children a little more — especially when in a motor vehicle.We’re targeting the risks for child heatstroke resulting from being left inside a vehicle. Our Portland child injury attorneys understand that there have been eight reported fatalities from these accidents already in the U. . this year. Unfortunately, many of these accidents are just that — ACCIDENTS. Even the most loving and caring parents can fall victim to these circumstances. And that’s why we’re here with some important information to help to make sure that it doesn’t happen to you.
And we’re not alone. Recently, officials with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that they were teaming up with safety advocates from Safe Kids Worldwide and other various organizations for the “Where’s baby? Look before you lock.” safety campaign.
“Child heatstroke in a hot car can happen to any caregiver from any walk of life, even to the most loving and conscientious parents,” said David Strickland, NHTSA Administrator.
According to NBC News, it only takes 10 minutes for the temperature inside a vehicle to rise by 20 degrees; within 30 minutes, it can climb by 34 degrees. That means that even with our mild temps in the 70s, it will only take a matter of minutes before temperatures inside the vehicle reach deadly levels.
“This can happen to anybody,” said Janette Fennell with KidsAndCars.org.
You’ve also got to remember that a small child’s body heats up much faster than our adult bodies. So what you may not think is hot, might be a whole different story for a small child. When their body temperature exceeds 104 degrees, you’re asking or trouble. It only takes an internal temperature of 107 for them to die.
The most important thing you can do is remember to check the backseat of your vehicle before shutting it off and locking it up. Quiet, sleeping children can oftentimes be forgotten. Leave something in the front seat to help to remind you to check for children. Keep something important back there so you’re forced to go back and check before leaving.
Make sure that you teach your children that vehicles are not playgrounds. Never let them around vehicles if they’re not supervised and keep your keys out of sight and out of mind.
Share these tips with friends, family members and care providers to make sure everyone is on the same page and keeping your child’s safety as a number on priority.
If you see a child that is alone in a vehicle, call 9-1-1 right away. Try to get the child out and cooled off as quickly as possible if you can. Your intervention could wind up saving their life.
Contact the experienced injury lawyers at Peter Thompson & Associates if you or your child has been injured in a car accident. Call 1-800-804-2004 for a consultation to speak to an attorney about your case.
More Blog Entries:
Car Accidents in Portland and Elsewhere Kill Too Many Child Passengers Annually, Maine Injury Lawyer Blog, February 15, 2012