Children, pets and cars a risky summertime mix, warns BCAA

BURNABY, BC, July 21 /CNW/ - With hotter than average temperatures predicted for the coming week, BCAA is warning drivers of the potential dangers surrounding hot cars and accidentally locking children and pets inside.

So far this year, BCAA has rescued more than 130 children and 40 pets from locked cars. Many of the 'lock-ins' occurred when doors unexpectedly closed while owners were distracted or while children playing with keys locked themselves inside.

BCAA's Road Assist Director Ken Cousin says although patrols can usually free a child or pet from a locked car within minutes of receiving a call for help, the current heat wave could mean the difference between a happy rescue and a tragedy. "When we receive a call from a member notifying us that a child is locked in a car, we drop everything," says Cousin. "We dispatch the nearest resource to get there as soon as possible."

On a sunny summer day, the temperature inside a parked car can rise to more than 50 degrees C in just 10 to 20 minutes. Motorists who run errands, leaving their children or pets behind, may not realize that 75 per cent of the temperature increases within the first five minutes from closing the car. Opening the window slightly does not keep the temperature at a safe level. Babies can become distressed in only five minutes and in less than 40 minutes, a child or pet could suffer severe dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke resulting in serious illness or death.

To help drivers protect their precious cargo this summer, BCAA recommends:

- Never leave a child or pet alone in a car - even with the windows down.
- Teach children not to play in cars and keep car keys out of reach and sight.
- Keep your vehicle locked at all times - even at home in the garage or driveway. This will help prevent toddlers from crawling into a car and accidentally locking themselves inside.
- Use drive-through services when possible or leave children with a responsible adult when running errands.
- Before heading off to run errands, think about whether your pets really needs to come with you, or if they would be more comfortable and safer left at home.
- If a child or pet is locked inside a vehicle, call BCAA, and if necessary, other emergency service patrols immediately.

BCAA is the province's largest member services association, working on

behalf of its 750,000 members to represent their interests and connect them with a team of automotive, travel and insurance professionals dedicated to serving their needs. To learn more about BCAA's products and services, advocacy programs, or about the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation, visit www.bcaa.com.