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It is only June and already there have been 15 children in the U.S. who have died as the result of heatstroke after being left in unattended vehicles. According to kidsandcars.org an average of 38 children die each year in the U.S. from heat-related deaths inside motor vehicles, many more are injured. 

"When outside temperatures are in the low 80s, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels in only 10 minutes, even with a window rolled down two inches.  Children's bodies, in particular, overheat easily, and infants and children under four years old are at the greatest risk for heat-related illness," according to NHTSA & Safe Kids on Child Heatstroke - May 23, 2013.

San Francisco State University Department of Geosciences reports that about 559 child vehicular deaths for a thirteen year period (1998 through 2012) shows the following circumstances:

• 52% - Child forgotten by caregiver. (288 children)
• 29% - Child playing in unattended vehicle. (163 children)
• 18% - Child intentionally left in vehicle by adult. (100 children)
•   1% - Circumstances unknown.

The University also reports that an unknown number of children are injured each year due to heatstroke in hot cars, suffering ailments including permanent brain injury, blindness and the loss of hearing.  

Florida Child Injuries Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. warns, "Southwest Florida temperatures are already rising.  Many days reach the low 90s, and during the summer months the heat is even worse.  Injuring or losing even one child is devastating.  I urge caregivers, even bystanders, to safeguard children from this preventable tragedy."  

Kidsandcars.org offers the following safety tips:

• Never leave children alone in or around cars; not even for a minute.
• Put something you'll need like your cell phone, handbag, employee ID or brief case, etc., on the floor board in the back seat.
• Get in the habit of always opening the back door of your vehicle every time you reach your destination to make sure no child has been left behind. This will soon become a habit. We call this the “Look Before You Lock" campaign.
• Keep a large stuffed animal in the child's car seat when it is not occupied. When the child is placed in the seat, put the stuffed animal in the front passenger seat. It is a visual reminder that anytime the stuffed animal is up front you know the child is in the back seat in a child safety seat.
• Make arrangements with your child’s day care center or babysitter that you will always call if your child will not be there on a particular day as scheduled.
• Keep vehicles locked at all times; even in the garage or driveway and always set your parking brake.
• Keys and/or remote openers should never be left within reach of children.
• Make sure all child passengers have left the vehicle after it is parked.
• When a child is missing, check vehicles and car trunks immediately.
• If you see a child alone in a vehicle, get involved. If they are hot or seem sick, get them out as quickly as possible. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
• Be especially careful about keeping children safe in and around cars during busy times, schedule changes and periods of crisis or holidays.
• Use drive‐thru services when available. (restaurants, banks, pharmacies, dry cleaners, etc.)
• Use your debit or credit card to pay for gas at the pump.

Florida is one of only 20 states that have laws relating to leaving children unattended or unsupervised in motor vehicles.  These laws are:

• A parent, legal guardian, or other person responsible for a child younger than 6 years of age may not leave the child unattended or unsupervised in a motor vehicle:
  • For a period in excess of 15 minutes.
  • For any period of time if the motor of the vehicle is running, the health of the child is in danger, or the child appears to be in distress.

"Beat the Heat.  Check the Backseat," reminds Attorney Spivey.

Florida Child Injuries Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by less than 2 percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 1,600 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at  239. 337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com  for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.