Children Left in Cars--It Can Happen to Anyone

By Gayle A. Roberts, CNP, MSN, RN

     Recently the problem of children being left alone in a car with tragic results has been highlighted in the news with the arrest of a father whose child died when this happened. Surprisingly, safety experts say that even the most loving, caring and responsible parents are vulnerable to this tragedy. Each year in the US, an average of 36 children die when left unattended in cars. One case of child death occurred when the outside temperature was only 57 degrees. These types of deaths are the primary reason for non-crash related vehicle deaths of children under the age of 14. Children under the age of 1 or younger are most at risk. Most children die of overheating or heat stroke.

    In a survey by the National Safe Kids organization, it was found that the most frequent cause of this type of tragedy is when a parent or caregiver just forgot to remove the child or thought they had already done so, as with unpacking groceries. In other words, these deaths were accidental most of the time. In a survey, 14% of parents stated that they have left a child under 5 in a car alone, and 23% stated that they have done this with a child under 3 years of age. Many of these tragedies occur when a parent stops at a store or somewhere else to pick up an item. One minute quickly becomes 5, and 5 becomes 10.

    The following statements should alert any parent not to leave a child alone in a car. Consider that in a vehicle the temperature rises 20 degrees within 10 minutes. Cracking a window, leaving the AC on, or using a window shade are not good enough to lower the temperature. A child’s body temperature rises 5 times faster than an adult’s with death occurring when the child’s temperature reaches 107 degrees.

    Carmakers are trying to develop a safety device to warn parents that a child is being left in the car. Unfortunately, they cannot say that any device will be 100% accurate.

Here are some preventive tips advised by safety experts:

• Admit that this horrible tragedy can happen in your family. Believing that things can only happen to others is the biggest cause of accidents. 
• Place a large stuffed toy strapped into the front passenger seat may remind the parent. The animal would then be placed in the backseat after the child is removed.
• Leave your purse, cell phone, briefcase, computer, lunch or some item needed near the child in the backseat as a reminder.
• Be sure the babysitter, preschool or school official calls you if the child does not arrive on time.

     In addition to the expert tips, I think a cardboard sign near the dashboard may be helpful, and maybe parents could call each other to be sure an accident does not happen. Also, if any of us sees an unattended child in a car, take action, quickly!
    It may seem like common sense to remember your child. However, I remember stressful work days when my mind was thinking of the day to come. My husband and I would occasionally change our routine regarding who was dropping our child off, which could have increased our risk of forgetting.

     In our hustle and bustle, let’s admit that we all can be on "auto pilot" on our way to work. With thought and honesty, I can see how these tragedies or accidents could happen to the best of parents. Being aware and discussing this possibility is a huge step to prevention. Let’s all pray that we remember to never leave a child unattended in a car.

Gayle A. Roberts, CNP, MSN, RN is a retired nurse practitioner and college nursing professor who volunteers for Trinity Hospital Twin City.