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Increased Temperatures Carry Increased Risks for Kids

by KREX News Room
by Amanda Brandeis

Story Created: May 31, 2012 at 6:28 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jun 1, 2012 at 7:32 AM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reminding parents how deadly it can be to leave a child in an unattended vehicle in the heat.

In 2011, at least 33 children in the United States lost their lives after being left in an unattended motor vehicle. Others suffered moderate to severe injuries due to heatstroke.

Officials warn that in the few minutes it takes to run an errand, the temperature in a car can reach deadly levels.

Marc Breen, an emergency physician at Community Hospital, said, "The problem is, when you leave children or pets in the car, the inside of the car can heat up really quickly. It can be 80 degrees outside, but in a matter of two minutes, it could increase to 95-100 degrees. Within an hour, you can be well over 120 degrees."

Officials also say that rolling down a window isn't enough to protect those inside the car.

The safest solution is to take your kids out of the car, regardless of how short of a time you'll be away from it.

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