Understanding Misconceptions that Can Lead to Hot Car Deaths

Even here in the Sunshine State, it’s been a particularly hot summer. Throughout the nation, temperatures have been soaring to high levels with heat indexes that match in a summer that seems to be far from over. However, while you may feel like you’re melting at times which is enough to upset anyone, the truth is that high temperatures can bring much more than mere discomfort.

For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently issued a press release reminding Americans of the dangers of leaving children unattended in hot cars because of recent weather trends. Twenty-three children have already died this year. It doesn’t take long for the inside of a vehicle to reach potentially lethal temperatures. In just 10 minutes, a car can heat up by 20 degrees.

Misconceptions that Can Lead to Hot Car Deaths

Shade. Even a small tree can offer a surprisingly large amount of false security. Unfortunately, shade does not negate the potential risks of heat-related injuries. Therefore, enjoy the shade for a break from the direct heat but don’t overestimate the potential protection of being out from under the sun.

Quick trips. It may be tempting to leave your little one in the car if you think that you’re going inside the store for what you anticipate to be a quick trip. Whether you’re running to get a drink from the grocery store or to pay the cashier at a gas station, it is easy to understand how easy it is to assume that your child will be fine. But unfortunately, you never know when you will run into a long line or some other barrier to you getting back to your vehicle quickly.

Not being a bystander’s business. We live in a very disconnected world where everyone tends to mind their own business and pay more attention to social media than what is happening in real life. In fact, having too many opinions about someone else’s life can even attract negative attention these days. It’s probably for this reason that bystanders may not have concern when they see a child in a car by him or herself on a warm day. However, bystanders should call 911 anytime there is a child inside of a car and this moral obligation to help is magnified on a hot day.

Has Someone You Love Been Injured or Killed in a Hot Car Accident Due to Someone Else’s Negligence?

No one wants to imagine their child or any other loved one being injured, especially in a preventable way that occurred because of someone else’s negligence. Anyone who suspects that their loved one’s tragic injury or death was due to someone else’s negligence should arrange a consultation with a local personal injury attorney to review the facts of their case and to explore any legal actions that may be available. As the experienced Jacksonville personal injury attorneys of The Pendas Law Firm, we sympathize with your tragedy and we offer the best legal advice regarding these kinds of tragic accidents. Contact us today so that you can begin obtaining the help you need.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Tampa, Bradenton, Fort Myers, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Daytona Beach areas.

Resource:

nhtsa.gov/press-releases/safety-advisory-hot-cars

https://www.pendaslaw.com/understanding-how-to-safely-use-gps-navigation-systems/