A summer forecast shows that the central and southwestern states, which include Arizona, would experience sizzling temperature this June and July. Fortunately, the Valley of the Sun offers activities to help you beat the heat this summer, such as going to water parks, visiting indoor activity centers, and exploring museums.
These activities are fun ways to cool down, but it doesn’t mean that the extreme heat isn’t still posing a threat to your health and safety. Parking your car under direct sunlight, for instance, can heat up the interior of your vehicle a level that’s lethal for the young ones.
Hot Cars Can Reach Dangerous Temperatures in an Hour
A study shows that a car’s temperature can rise to a hazardous level in about an hour. Even if you park your car in a shady area, the temperature can reach that level within the next hour.
Researchers used three pairs of matching cars for the study: silver mid-size sedans, silver economy cars, and white minivans. They parked them in sunny and shady areas of a parking lot in Tempe, Arizona several times in June and July.
After measuring the heating effects of the cars’ interior, the researchers compared the results to calculations about the effects of high temperatures on a hypothetical two-year-old boy’s body. The results suggested that vans took the longest time to heat up while economy cars are the shortest.
On average, however, the average temperature of a cabin after an hour in the sun was 46°C. Other parts of the car get even hotter within that period: the average dashboard temperature hit 69°C, the steering wheel 53°C, and seats 51°C. Researchers noted that these temperatures could endanger a child’s health.
Don’t Leave Your Child Alone in the Car
Do you leave your child in the car while you go shop for groceries assuming you’ll only take a minute? As the hour-mark approaches, if you’re still inside, your child will be on the verge of dehydration or heat stroke. Avoid this mistake this summer to keep your young ones safe.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says heatstroke is a leading cause of non-crash-related fatalities among children. Leaving your children inside your car on a hot day increases their body temperature quickly and dangerously. A core temperature of 107°F is fatal for children.
Investing in window tinting helps you beat the extreme temperature Phoenix. It controls the temperature inside your car while parked in a sunny area. The film also blocks the UV rays, minimizing your exposure while driving. Apart from this, you should also make sure you don’t leave your child in the car.
Keeping Your Children Safe from Hot Cars
Sometimes you forget a child is in the back seat. It could happen to any parent or caregiver, especially when you’re busy or distracted. You can still avoid it though. The American Academy of Pediatrics provides recommendations on how to keep kids safe from hot cars.
- Make sure all children are out before locking up and walking away from the car.
- Avoid distractions while driving.
- Be extra alert whenever there is a change in your routine.
- Tell your child care provider to contact you when your child is over 10 minutes late.
- Place your valuables in the back seat so you check the back seat before going out the car.
- Check up on your children when someone else is driving them to ensure they arrive safely.
Summer is more fun knowing that you and your loved ones are safe. As early as spring, make sure you’re ready to hit the road and enjoy various summer activities.
