One of the most dangerous places for a child to play is in and around a stationary car, especially during the summertime. The temperatures inside vehicles can rise drastically in a matter of minutes, and the threat is especially prevalent in the trunk. To combat the risk, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants to help parents out with a few safety tips.
Perhaps the easiest precaution parents can take is simply locking up their vehicle when it’s not going to be in use. Keeping a vehicle sealed tight includes making sure that the backseats are kept in the upright position and locked so that a child can’t pull them down and access the trunk in that roundabout way. To further prevent danger, keep the key somewhere where it can’t fall into the hands of a child.
Parents should also speak with their children directly about the danger posed by the trunks of vehicles. Such a discussion should include directives not to play in the trunk and advice on what to do should a child become stuck inside anyway. Every car made since 2001 has been equipped with a trunk release, so teach your kids how to operate it in an emergency.
Finally, something every parent should do regardless of whether a vehicle is nearby or not: children should always be supervised while playing.