Accidental lockins increasing

AN alarming increase in the number of children RACQ has rescued from cars this winter has spurred the motoring club to issue fresh warnings on the dangers of accidental lock-ins.

RACQ executive manager technical and safety policy Steve Spalding said the club had rescued 460 babies and toddlers trapped in cars since June 1, an 11 per cent increase on the same period last year.

“So far this winter we’ve been rescuing, on average, eight children from cars every day,” he said.

“Even during the winter months it’s never safe to leave a child alone in a vehicle for any period of time.”

Mr Spalding said RACQ tests revealed that it only took one to two minutes for cabin temperatures to rise from air conditioned levels to ambient.

“Worse still it can take as little as seven minutes for a car’s internal temperature to reach 40 degrees which can lead to serious injury or death for those stuck inside,” he said.

“Recent technological advances are a double edged sword when it comes to vehicle safety.

“Car manufacturers have been so successful in meeting motorists’ requirements for convenience and security that at the push of a button you can clamp down the security system which is extremely difficult to break into.

“The downside is that it has also become easy for a toddler to lock themselves inside the car.”

To minimise risk of accidental lock-ins RACQ recommends: Always take children with you – even intend to leave the car for a brief time Keep the keys with the driver – never leave them with the child, in the ignition, or place them on a car seat Never let children unattended vehicle Check the vehicle is empty before remote locking – it is easy to make a mistake and accidentally lock children in If kids are locked in a car, keep calm and call RACQ on 13 19 05 or Emergency Services on 000. Visit www.racq.com.au/kidsincars for further details.

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