RACV’s Advice to Avoid Leaving Kids in Hot Cars

As the summer heat ramps up, RACV is urging all parents and carers to be extra vigilant about the dangers of leaving kids in hot cars. It’s an all-too-common, yet preventable, situation that can quickly turn dangerous.

In 2024 alone, RACV received 653 calls from worried parents and carers who accidentally locked their little ones inside cars. It’s a scary scenario no one wants to face – but the good news is there are simple steps you can take to make sure it never happens to you.

How Fast Can a Car Heat Up?

RACV’s General Manager of Automotive Services, Makarla Cole, says cabin temperatures can skyrocket in just minutes. If it’s 30°C outside, temperatures inside the car can reach a whopping 70°C or more in the blink of an eye.

“Children are especially vulnerable to heat, dehydration, and heatstroke,” Makarla explains. “That’s why it’s so important to stay alert and act quickly if the worst happens.” And it’s not just kids at risk – pets can be affected by the heat too!

Here’s What RACV Recommends for Parents and Carers:

Open the windows: Before you put your child in the car, make sure the windows are slightly open to avoid the car auto-locking. Once you’re on the road, it’s safe to close them.
Keep keys out of reach: Kids love to play with keys, but it’s important to keep them secure – maybe use a lanyard or clip them to your bag.
Minimize distractions: When you’re getting the kids in the car, stay focused to avoid any accidental lock-ins.

What To Do If Your Child Gets Locked in a Hot Car:

Stay calm, but act fast: Time is crucial in these situations.
Call RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance: Dial 13 11 11 for help.
If it’s life-threatening, dial 000 immediately.

RACV is here to help – whether you’re a member or not. “We prioritise emergency calls involving children and pets in danger,” says Makarla. “You can count on us to get to you as quickly as possible.”

For more information, visit RACV’s child safety webpage.