We have all seen the stories in the news: another parent unintentionally leaves his or her child in a vehicle on hot day, and tragically, the child dies. The technical term is Vehicular Heatstroke, or broadly, hyperthermia. Most parents do not think this will happen to them, and usually the parents who this happened to are the first to profess this. However, on average, 37 children die each year due to vehicular heatstroke. Of the children who die, 87% are three years old or younger. Children under the age of one make up 55% of all vehicular heatstroke deaths. Over three-fourths of all vehicular heatstroke deaths happen in southern states; however, experts all agree that this can happen anywhere.
Children are especially susceptible for Vehicular Heatstroke. First, children’s temperatures rise at a rate 3-5 times faster than temperatures of adults. This fact, coupled with the fact that temperatures can rise as quickly as 20 degrees in just ten minutes, creates danger to children. Moreover, Vehicular Heatstroke can happen in cooler temperatures, with experts warning that it can occur even if outside temperatures are 57 degrees.
Parents can be diligent about ensuring they do not allow this to happen to their child. Parents should be extra cautious with any changes in routine. Placing a child’s toy in the front seat can also serve as a reminder, or placing an item you need (like a cellphone, purse, briefcase) in the backseat can make parents check their back seat before going off to work. Finally, a simple habit of looking before locking car doors can save children’s lives.
About 19 states currently employ a Good Samaritan Law that protect individuals who reasonably intervene when they see a child alone in a vehicle. These states include Vermont, Florida, Virginia, South Carolina, Alabama, Kentucky, Texas, Arizona and Oregon. However, even if your state does not have a Good Samaritan Law on the books (states including Massachusetts and Connecticut and California), people can always contact law enforcement and notify them of the child in the vehicle.
Car safety is vital in all aspects. Aside from taking the steps outlined above, parents should also ensure their seat belt buckles are not in need of repairs. If your vehicle requires seat belt buckle repair, Safety Restore can help. Safety Restore offers fast, affordable, and simple seatbelt buckle repair. Drivers simply need to detach their seat belts and send them to Safety Restore for seat belt repair. With a 24-hour turnaround time, your seatbelt repair will be complete and on its way back to you so you can get back on the road. Safety Restore uses products that meet, or more likely, exceed federal guidelines for all their services. Do not delay your seat belt buckle repair; seat belts are vital to the operation of a vehicle, often preventing death or serious injury. Don’t risk your precious cargo – Contact Safety Restore about seat belt buckle repair today.