Parents Reminded to “Look Before You Lock” as Summer Months Approach
Parents Reminded to “Look Before You Lock” as Summer Months Approach
Temperatures in and around Louisiana are started to reach the mid-80s and low 90s. As the summer months approach, parents are being urged to “Look Before You Lock” as part of a campaign by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
From May 5 through September, the NHTSA will be highlighting a national and online campaign called “Where’s Baby? Looks Before You Lock.” The campaign is hoping to reach parents, caregivers and grandparents and inform them about the dangers of leaving children unattended in hot motor vehicles.
This is second year that the NHTSA has partnered with Safe Kids Worldwide to get the message out on heat stroke. According to data from the NHTSA, more than 44 children in the U.S. lost their lives in 2013 after being left in an unattended motor vehicles, many more suffered injuries. Furthermore, there have already been at least two deaths reported this year that are linked to vehicular heat stroke.
When the outside temperatures are in the low 80s, the temperatures inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels in just 10 minutes. Heat stroke is the number one cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children under the age of 13.
Did you know that a child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adults? More than half of heatstroke deaths occurred when a distracted parent or caregiver forgot their quiet child was in the vehicle.
Parents are encouraged to create reminders that will prompt them to check their vehicle before exiting and locking the doors. Whether it’s a small post-it note or leaving an object you need at your next stop next to the child’s seat, it could ultimately save their life.
Additionally, community members are encouraged to call 911 or a local emergency number if they see a young child in an unattended vehicle.
If your child has been incorrectly supervised by a caregiver or left unattended in a vehicle, you may be eligible for file for damages. To learn more about your legal options, contact our personal injury lawyers in Baton Rouge at (800) 374-8422.
