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As temperatures begin to increase, Ft. Myers personal injury lawyer Randall Spivey would like to take a moment to remind all parents and caregivers about the dangers of leaving children and pets in hot automobiles. It is important for all adults to understand the severity of leaving kids and pets in a vehicle, particularly during the hot summer months -- even if it’s only for a few minutes to run a quick errand.

The Florida Department of Children and Families notes that it only takes a short amount of time (10 minutes) for a parked automobile’s temperature to increase by 20 degrees, even if the windows are left cracked.

WebMD states that even on days when the weather is not extremely hot, the results can be deadly for children and pets. For example, the director of pediatric emergency medicine at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia noted that even on a 72-degree day, the temperature can rise as much as 30 or 40 degrees in an hour in a motor vehicle.

That said, the following information is provided to help parents and caregivers keep their children and pets safe when traveling in automobiles.

Things to Keep in Mind to Keep Your Children Safe This Summer

According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, it is against state law to leave children unattended in an automobile. Unfortunately, when some parents and/or caregivers rush or attempt to handle several things at once, they may actually forget that their child is in the vehicle, which could have devastating results -- especially in the summertime.

Accordingly, parents are advised to always check and double-check their automobiles before stepping away. Another helpful tip is to place any items you are carrying with you in the backseat alongside the child, as you will likely be more inclined to look back there prior to locking the automobile.

Kids are often quite curious, especially when it comes to automobiles. Always keep your automobile doors locked. Some children like to play near or around automobiles, while others may actually be able to climb inside an unlocked car door or trunk and find themselves locked inside.

What You Need to Know About Leaving Pets in Vehicles

Many pet owners may not realize the effect that heat can have on their four-legged companions. In fact, Newsday notes that it only takes 15 minutes for a dog to suffer a heatstroke that can ultimately lead to brain damage or even death.

All too often, passersby will see a child or pet suffering in a hot automobile, yet they will not take any steps to rectify the situation. Anyone noticing a child or pet that may be in distress in an unattended automobile is encouraged to contact area law enforcement right away.

The Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. represents individuals and helps families with wrongful death and personal injury cases involving various incidents ranging from child injuries to automobile accidents. Contact our office today to discuss the specifics of your case.