THSO Warns Children Left in Hot Cars Can Suffer Heatstroke in Minutes!

As temperatures warm up, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office is warning that children left in hot cars can suffer heatstroke in minutes.  In just 10 minutes, the interior of a vehicle can heat up by 20 degrees and become deadly.  Last year, 29 children died in hot cars across the United States.  Hot car deaths are preventable.  Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, even with the air conditioning on.  Always check the back seat before you exit.  If you see a child abandoned in a vehicle, call 911.  Be sure to always lock your vehicles so that a curious child does not get trapped inside.  You should also never leave frail elderly people alone in a car or pets.  To learn more, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at nhtsa.gov/heatstroke.