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Death Toll Rises in Hot Cars – Look Before You Lock

According to child safety organization KidsAndCars, three children were accidentally killed in hot cars from August 22-25, bringing the total for the month of August alone to eleven children in seven states. There have been 26 deaths from heat stroke in cars so far this year.

On Aug. 22 in Corpus Christi, Texas, a boy, 15 months, died in the family SUV. His mother had been caring for seven children, including four of her own, but when she returned home the boy was unknowingly left in the vehicle.

On Aug. 22 in Sheveport, La., a girl, 6 months, died after being left in an SUV in a hospital parking lot while her father, a trauma doctor, worked inside

On Aug. 25 in Lowell, Mass., a boy, 9 months, died after being inadvertently left behind in a vehicle by his parents. –EmporiaGazette

No parent ever wants to believe he or she could possibly forget a beloved, cherished child in a hot car. Unfortunately, the belief that we are incapable of doing such a thing can prevent us from taking the right precautions. While it’s extremely difficult to accept that we are fallible, we must, for our children's lives and safety. KidsAndCars has developed the following Look Before You Lock tips to help educate parents about the potential for tragic but preventable accidents in hot cars.

Back seat — Put something in the back seat so you have to open the back door when leaving the vehicle — cell phone, employee badge, handbag, etc.

Every child should be correctly restrained in the back seat.

Stuffed animal — Move it from the car seat to the front seat to remind you when your baby is in the back seat.

Ask your baby sitter or child-care provider to call you within 10 minutes if your child hasn’t arrived on time.

Focus on driving — Avoid cell phone calls and texting while driving.

Every time you park your vehicle open the back door to make sure no one has been left behind. –KidsAndCars.org

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