Don’t Leave Your Children in the Car This Summer in Colorado

Summer continues to roll on, and now, as the calendar has flipped to July, with August to follow, the hottest days of the year are fast approaching. June was warm, but the temperatures are likely to rise in the next couple of months in Colorado. During the summer, many are on the go and will rush in and out of stores to grab a drink, a grocery item, or to get something they need. Parents will often leave their kids in the car to save time and for convenience, but as the heat rises, it could put your children at risk. Make sure not to leave your children in the car this summer, even if running in and out of the store quickly, as it could be fatal for your little ones.

Hot Car Deaths For Children

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Imagine sitting in the car when it is hot outside as your spouse or partner runs into the store. How long does it take you to begin sweating? How long until you roll down a window or open the door? Perhaps you decide to turn the vehicle back on and use the air conditioner, so you can be comfortable. Children can't do most of these things. NHTSA.gov recently released a reminder that it only takes minutes for the heat to affect a child left in the car. A child's body rises in temperature much faster than an adult's, and heatstroke can happen when their temperature gets to 104 degrees, and can become fatal at 107 degrees. This can happen in only minutes for little children.

Children Dying in Hot Cars in Colorado

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The sun feels much warmer in Colorado then others states due to the higher elevation and there being less atmospheric protection from the sun. Last year, 31 children died from heatstroke from being left in cars. One in four of these deaths occur because children are trapped in cars. Luckily, newer vehicles remind parents to check their backseats when getting out of the car, which can help prevent this, and many new cars allow drivers to lock the car and leave it on when they are away, stopping the car from overheating. Still, it is best to take your kids with you, as it is worth a couple minutes to get them in and out of the car, compared to the alternative.

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