AAA East Central is urging motorists to know the dangers of leaving children and pets in a hot car. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 900 children have died of heat stroke in the last 25 years after being left of trapped inside a vehicle. 

“A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s and when a child is left in a hot vehicle, the situation could become life-threatening very quickly,” says Terri Rae Anthony, safety advisor, AAA East Central. “As parents, caregivers and bystanders, we all play a role in making sure children and animals are protected from these dangerous conditions.”

NHTSA said in just 10 minutes the temperature inside a vehicle can heat up by 20 degrees and become deadly. 

AAA East Central Urges Motorists to ACT: 

  • A: Avoid heatstroke by never leaving a child in the car alone, not even for a minute.
  • C: Create electronic reminders or put something in the backseat like a cell phone, purse, or briefcase that will be needed when exiting the car. Always lock vehicles and never leave car keys or car remote where children can get to them.
  • T: Take action and immediately call 911 if a child or pet is found unattended in a car.

AAA says animals are also at risk of heatstroke. Leaving them in a vehicle while running errands, etc. can have deadly consequences. 

Animals left in hot cars can face irreversible organ damage, heatstroke, brain damage, and death. 

Signs of heatstroke in dogs and cats can include: 

  • Panting
  • Excessive drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Reddened gums and tongue
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Wobbly, uncoordinated movement

More information on heat dangers can be found on AAA's website.