A reminder for parents as the temperature heats up to keep your keys on you and never leave kids alone in the car.
Shocking new figures from RACQ show their crews have responded to 1,740 lock-in emergencies across Queensland in the past year.
“RACQ patrols rescued 799 children and 776 animals locked in vehicles in the past 12 months alone – on average that is two kids and two animals locked in a vehicle every day,” says General Manager Assistance and Automotive Mark Boswell.
“While many of these cases are accidental, there are things you can do to avoid the risk.
“You should never leave children or pets alone in the car, always keep your keys on you and don’t give them to your child to play with.
“The most common scenario our patrols see is the parent has given the child the keys to play with while they load items into the car.”
There were 164 lock-ins on the Sunshine Coast during that time.
Mr Boswell warns temperatures in locked vehicles can quickly reach dangerous levels.
“In summer, cabin temperatures can exceed 40 degrees in around 30 minutes,” he says.
“That is a dangerous temperature threshold for humans and animals, which could have deadly consequences.”
Mr Boswell says RACQ patrols respond to vehicle lock-ins as the highest priority.
“Accidentally locking your child or pet in a car can be an extremely stressful situation and we often find people waste time trying to work out what to do or who to call,” he says.
“If a person or animal is locked in a vehicle, please call RACQ Roadside Assistance on 13 11 11.
“Our patrols can successfully unlock most cars within minutes using vehicle-specific methods.
“We provide this service to Queenslanders, regardless of whether you’re a member.
“If you’re concerned about the health of a child, call emergency services immediately.”
