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| 6-27-25 Each year, dozens of children die because they were left behind or became trapped in a hot car. Nationally, more than 1,010 children have died of heatstroke because they were left or became trapped in a hot car over the past 25 years. (Source [nhtsa.gov]). These tragedies can happen to anyone, and they are preventable. As our routines shift for summer, it’s imperative to remain vigilant and make sure all children are out of the vehicle and accounted for before leaving. Vehicular heatstroke can occur in temperatures as low as 60 degrees. That’s why it is critical to never leave a child or pet alone in a vehicle, even if it’s parked in the shade or the windows are cracked. Before you walk away from your vehicle, stop and look before you lock. (Source [trafficsafetymarketing.gov]). Raising Internal Awareness: No matter what office you officially call ‘home,’ we all can play a role in supporting safety Use the attached NHTSA/FDOT Tip Card to help educate parents, caregivers, and colleagues about the dangers of hot cars. This resource includes key safety tips and is perfect for sharing both internally and within your community. Vehicular heatstroke can happen to anyone. Watch this video provided by NHTSA [youtu.be] to learn more. In the Community: Grass-roots outreach efforts greatly improve safety messaging effectiveness – these one-on-one conversations have far-reaching impacts – If you see a child or pet locked in a hot car, take immediate action by calling 911. Florida law, section 768.139 [leg.state.fl.us], Florida Statutes, provides for the rescue of a vulnerable person or domestic animal from a motor vehicle. These good Samaritans may have immunity for damage to the motor vehicle if: 0 The vehicle is locked and there is no other reasonable way for the person or animal to get out. 0 Has reasonable belief based upon the circumstances that entry is necessary because the person or animal is in imminent danger. 0 Notifies law enforcement or calls 911 prior to or immediately after entering the vehicle. 0 Uses no more force than is necessary; and 0 Remains with the person or animal until law enforcement or other first responders arrive. (Source [flhsmv.gov]). – Secure Your Car: Even if you don’t have children, be sure to lock your vehicle. A child in your neighborhood could wander in and become trapped. Over 230 children have died nationwide from vehicular heatstroke since 1998 because they gained access to a vehicle and became trapped. (Source [nhtsa.gov]). In Your Everyday Life: Even when you’re not ‘on-the-clock,’ there are ways to improve safety culture in Florida – Do not leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle. Florida temperatures will rapidly increase in just minutes. The inside of a vehicle can heat up by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. (Source [flhsmv.gov]). – Keep vehicles in driveways or garages locked and store keys out of a child’s reach to avoid the chance of them becoming trapped in a vehicle. (Source [flhsmv.gov]). – Use Visual Reminders: Put your phone, purse, shoe, or another essential item in the back seat as a prompt to check before exiting. You can also place a stuffed animal in the front seat to signal a child is in the back. – Make it a routine to check your entire vehicle — especially the back seat — before locking the doors and walking away. Nationally, over 50% of pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths are a result of a parent or caregiver forgetting a child in a car. (Source [nhtsa.gov]). Prevent vehicular heatstroke by not leaving children or pets unattended in a vehicle, even for a short period of time. Thank you for everything you do to keep Florida safe. Stay cool and stay safe! Savannah & the Target Zero Team |
