In these extreme conditions, children can die or suffer permanent disability quickly - in a matter of minutes. Heat rapidly overwhelms the body's ability to regulate temperature. In a closed environment, the body can go into shock and circulation to vital organs will begin to fail. The SAFE KIDS survey also found that only 50 percent of parents always lock their cars at home and one out of five parents rarely or never does so. More than a third of the deaths reported last year occurred when children crawled into unlocked cars while playing and perished in the sweltering heat.
Unlocked cars pose serious risks to children who are naturally curious and often lack fear.
Once they crawl in, they don't have the developmental capability to get out. In several cases, a parent or caregiver intentionally left the child in a car while in other cases, the child was mistakenly forgotten. The National SAFE KIDS Campaign has partnered with the American Meteorological Society and its 850 broadcast meteorologists to help spread awareness about the dangers of leaving kids in cars, especially during warm temperatures. During upcoming weather forecasts, broadcast meteorologists around the country will remind parents and caregivers how to keep their kids safe this summer. Teach children not to play in or around cars.