Children should not be left unattended in a vehicle, especially in the summer heat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention categorizes a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher as a medical emergency. Just a few minutes in a warm car puts a child at risk of reaching this body temperature, which could cause life-threatening injuries.
On a ninety degree day, a vehicle's temperature will reach:
- 109 degrees after 10 minutes
- 119 degrees after 20 minutes
- 124 degrees after 30 minutes
- 133 degrees after 60 minutes
- 138 degrees after 90 minutes
Dark components within vehicles such as steering wheels, dashboards and seats quickly reach temperatures between 180 and 200 degrees. This heat transfers to the air trapped within a vehicle, causing the entire vehicle to warm. Cracked windows do not prevent or eliminate this intense heat.
Twenty states, including Illinois, enforce laws against leaving children unattended in vehicles.
Central Collision Center encourages you to be mindful of your child's car safety this summer. Share this information with family members, friends, babysitters or daycares that may drive with your children or other children in the car.
