For the last few years we have been making the same warning, the content of the editorial is very similar, the difference is that the figures change every year; unfortunately, these go from bad to worse.
The deaths from vehicular heat stroke during the year 2018 amounted to 52, 9 more than in 2017, 13 more than in 2016 and so far this year, we are already regretting the death of 19 children according to the National Administration of Traffic Safety in Roads. And the month of July has not yet ended.
While we write these lines, we are going through a period of heat not common in this area where we live, which has forced local authorities to establish centers where those people who do not have the necessary means can find momentary relief from the intense heat.
For this reason it is advisable that we put special care with those who cannot do it themselves: our little ones, our elders and our pets when we leave them alone in a car, even if only for a few minutes. Between the year 1998 and 2018, 795 children have died, mostly due to the carelessness of those who were supposed to protect them.
A detailed examination of the 795 children reported to have died from vehicular heat stroke indicates that 429 of them were due to forgetfulness of the person who was responsible for them. 209 gained access to the vehicle by themselves and then did not know how to get out. 7 of the deaths were for unknown reasons and the most horrible of all were the remaining 150, who were left there knowingly by the people who looked after them, according to Jan Null, CCM of NoHeatStroke.org Department of Meteorology & Climate Science, San Jose State University.
Our pets, like children, have a lower ability to cool off compared to adult humans. During the year 2018 and so far in 2019 combined, 82 dogs have died asphyxiated as a result of having been left in hot cars by their masters.
Before leaving your vehicle, be sure to look in the back seat. Maybe you can be leaving behind a valuable cargo. And if you see a child, an elderly person or a pet alone in a closed car, do not hesitate and call 911 immediately!
