It\u2019s that time of year when we are constantly getting bombarded by messages reminding us to not leave kids and pets in hot cars. If you\u2019re one of those people who roll their eyes and question how anyone could forget their child in a hot car you\u2019re not alone. Most people feel the same way, right up to the moment they realize that they left their child in a hot car that is quickly turning into an oven.<\/p>\n
According to a CNN report, an average of 38 kids die each year because they were left in a hot car. The majority of these deaths occurred during July. <\/p>\n
The best way to make sure you never leave your own child in a hot car is to learn the main reasons this tragic and scary thing happens.<\/p>\n
The Normal Routine Shifts<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the biggest reasons kids are forgotten in hot cars is because something happens to change the parents’ routine. This doesn\u2019t have to be a big change, just a small interruption in their routine such as a shoelace getting untied or getting a phone call. It\u2019s just enough to break the parent\u2019s thought pattern and make them temporarily forget about the child strapped to the back seat car seat.<\/p>\n Kids Get Into the Car<\/strong><\/p>\n There have been a few instances where the child actually locked themselves into a hot car. This usually happens when the kids are playing and start to explore. They find that the car is unlocked so they crawl inside and engage the child locks. Soon they are overheating but are unable to remember how to get out of the car.<\/p>\n It\u2019s Someone Who Doesn\u2019t Usually Transport Kids<\/strong><\/p>\n Some kids are left in cars because they\u2019re being transported by someone who rarely drives with children, such as an aunt, grandparent, or neighbor. Usually, this person is doing the child\u2019s parents a favor and simply forgets that they have a child in the vehicle who is unable to get out on their own. <\/p>\n