Summer Child Safety Reminders

· Between1998 – 2009, 445 children died as a result of being left alone in a car

· In the summer, your car’s internal temperature can increase by 19 degrees F in only 10 minutes

· 33% of children who die from being left alone in a hot care less then 1-year old

· Cracking your vehicle’s windows has very little effect on its temperature

· When left in a hot vehicle, a child’s body temperature can increase three to five times as fast as an adult’s

· Children left unattended in a vehicle are a risk of being kidnapped

· Children left alone in a car can push buttons, disengage the brakes, put the car in gear or even leave the vehicle and walk away

· Never leave your child unattended in a vehicle

· Check your vehicle before leaving it

· Keep a stuffed animal or other reminder next to you in the car as a cue that your child is with you

· If you do see a child alone in a car, contact the police

· Children being run over in driveways and parking lots has become a significant problem in Utah during the past 10 years

· In Utah, between 2003-2009, 40 children died when run over in a driveway or parking lot

· In Utah, between 2003-2009, 384 children were injured in a driveway or parking lot incident (These are reported events – we assume that it is an underestimated number since many events are never reported to authorities if the child is not severely injured.)

· Before driving, check the street, driveway and all areas around your vehicle before moving

· SUPERVISE children whenever a driver is leaving home or moving vehicles are present

· Major risk factors for driveway backover incidents include:

o Children under 5 years of age

o High profile vehicles such as SUV’s, vans and trucks

o Vehicles traveling in reverse

o Rushed and distracted drivers