As WA prepares for the hottest month of the year, RAC is urging parents and guardians to keep their keys on them, with 2021 data revealing call outs to kids and pets locked in cars increased by almost 20 per cent compared to the previous year.
Children and pets rescued from locked cars by RAC Roadside Assistance patrols:
|
|
2020 |
2021 |
|
Children rescued |
315 |
359 |
|
Pets rescued |
185 |
239 |
|
Total |
500 |
598 |
RAC Roadside Patrol Ray Farrugia said if this February followed the same trajectory as last, 19 children and 7 pets would be rescued from hot cars.
“The temperature inside a car can rise rapidly in an incredibly short period of time which makes child and pet lock-ins particularly dangerous during the hotter months of the year,” Mr Farrugia said.
“On a typical Australian summer day, the temperature inside a parked car can be 20 to 30 degrees hotter than outside.
“Many people are unaware of how easy and common it is to accidentally lock a child or pet in the car, or how quickly the situation can escalate.
“Most lock-ins occur when a child is given the car keys to play with, or they’re locked in the boot with the groceries. With pets, it’s usually when they step on the lock.
“Discovering your child is locked inside the car can be extremely distressing and dangerous, so we’re urging parents to stay vigilant, especially as we head into the hottest time of the year.
“Never give your child the car keys to play with and make sure you don’t close your doors and boot until you’ve got hold of your keys.”
Time is critical when a child is trapped and RAC call outs for lock-ins are prioritised and given to the closest Patrol.
However, RAC Patrols don’t have emergency sirens or flashing lights and can still get caught in traffic. If a child is distressed or in harm’s way emergency services should be contacted immediately.
ENDS
Media contact: RAC Media, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
