According to the AA, 500 children and pets were locked in cars last summer; putting them at substantial risk. It’s urging drivers to be cautious due to an approaching heatwave…
Protecting the Vulnerable this Summer
The AA is warning drivers to avoid leaving their children and pets in hot cars during the summer months. The breakdown company attended 500 call-outs last year, responding to instances of pets and children being locked in vehicles. For perspective, that’s four call-outs a day. It’s urged drivers not to leave children or pets unattended even for a short period of time; as both can overheat in a matter of minutes. Even parking in the shade can be extremely dangerous, as dogs can overheat in less than half an hour.
It’s always best to remove vulnerable groups, including children, elderly people and pets from stationary vehicles when temperatures are high. Whilst driving, air conditioning should be used or windows lowered. Making water regularly available is crucial, too.
Doing the Right Thing
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, commented on the phenomenon. He said, “as people head out to explore and enjoy their summer we’re reminding drivers to take care not to accidentally – or deliberately even for a moment – leave people or pets alone in the car. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable as they are less able to cope with high temperatures and heat-related illnesses such as dehydration”.
He added, “the shade doesn’t offer any protection either as the temperatures reached can be unbearable. If your car breaks down, your air conditioning won’t work either, so take an umbrella for some portable shade and make sure you have plenty of drinking water with you – at least a litre per person and extra for pets”.
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