Louisiana summers, as we all know, are unbearably hot. But what is even more sweltering is the inside of the car on a hot Louisiana day. Each year, an average of 37 children die from heat stroke after being left in a hot car, according to KidsAndCars.org. The number one reason for these deaths is that parents forget their child in the car. Even if it isn’t that hot outside, the inside of the car can reach up to 120 degrees.
In 2016 there has already been 11 heat stroke deaths, which is a 275 percent increase compared to last year at this time. This means we must be more vigilant and cautious as the summer will only get hotter.
KidsAndCars.org calls for everyone to be more aware and to take action if needed. If you see a child alone in the car, try to find the driver immediately. If the child is in immediate danger, break the window furthest from the child to remove him from the car and help him.
The Kids and Cars organization has also launched an educational campaign called “Look Before You Lock” in an attempt to lower the tragic number of heat stroke deaths. It also says that new technology is needed in cars. With all of the new safety features on cars, such as backup cameras and trunk releases, people everywhere are pushing for safety features that would alert a parent if the child is left in the car.
We encourage everyone to have the safest summer possible by being educated on car safety and actively working to stop accidents like these.
