Stats:
• Nationwide 2011—33 children died of heat stroke in vehicles
• Nationwide 2010—49 children died of heat stroke in vehicles
• Nationwide 1991-2011—613 died from heat stroke in vehicles
• AVERAGE OF 1 EVERY 9.6 DAYS
Factors:
• Children’s temperatures rise 3-5 times faster than adults
• With windows rolled down, vehicles temperatures can reach 125 degrees in minutes
• Cracking window has little to no effect on slowing rising temperatures in vehicles
Circumstances:
• Unknowingly left in vehicle 54.25%
• Got into vehicle on their own 31.58%
• Knowingly left in vehicle 11.94%
• Circumstance unknown 1.82%
• 87% 3 years old or younger
Prevention:
• Place your purse or briefcase in back seat requiring you to open door every time you park
• Place a stuffed animal in your child’s car seat. Place the stuffed animal in the front seat when your child is using the car seat as a reminder they are in the car.
• Have your babysitter or daycare facility call you if your child does not arrive when expected to do so.
• Make it a point to check the vehicle and car seats to insure no one is left behind.
Kaitlyn’s Law:
15620. (a) A parent, legal guardian, or other person responsible for a child who is 6 years of age or younger may not leave that child inside a motor vehicle without being subject to the supervision of a person who is 12 years of age or older, under either of the following circumstances:
(1) Where there are conditions that present a significant risk to the child's health or safety.
(2) When the vehicle’s engine is running or the vehicle's keys are in the ignition, or both.
Community Traffic Services Unit
Child Safety Program
818-644-8143
