Walston emphasized that leaving a child alone in a vehicle is extremely dangerous, as cars can quickly heat up and children’s bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults. This makes it difficult for them to cool themselves down. It is crucial not to leave a child unattended in a car, even for a few minutes.
Walston also emphasized that cracking a window does not help to lower the temperature inside the car. In fact, it is a myth that opening a window can prevent the car from getting too hot. More than 50 percent of child deaths from hot cars occur when a child is forgotten inside the vehicle. This can happen when routines are disrupted, so it is important to take extra safety measures such as leaving reminders in the backseat or setting alarms on your phone.
She encouraged attendees to call 911 if they ever see a child, senior, or pet left alone in a car. North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey stressed the importance of taking this issue seriously year-round, not just during the hottest months of summer. Children have tragically died in cars even in cooler months like November, so it is crucial for parents and caregivers to always be vigilant about not leaving children unattended in vehicles.
