NRMA warns of risks of children and pets locked in cars

THE NRMA has released new research highlighting that shopping centres are the most frequent locations where children and pets are accidentally locked in cars.

Over the past 12 months, NRMA patrols responded to 1,807 such incidents.

With the hottest parts of summer still approaching, there’s a heightened concern due to rising temperatures.

NRMA Road Safety Expert Dimitra Vlahomitros said parents should never risk leaving their children alone in the car, even for a brief period of time.

“Unfortunately, we are still seeing far too many children left unattended in the car, so we are again urging parents not to leave their children alone in the car. It is not worth the risk, even if you are quickly ducking into the shops,” Ms Vlahomitros said.

“In just a few short minutes, temperatures can increase significantly, posing a serious danger to children and pets locked in a car.”

“If you see a child unattended in a car and cannot locate the parents, call triple-zero and await instructions.”

Bellarine Veterinary Practice director Dr Amanda Hulands-Nave said people should take a very similar approach to pets as they do children.

“The same rules apply, pets can overheat really quickly, heat shock doesn’t take very long.”

Dr Hulands-Nave warned that air conditioning or simply putting the windows down a bit isn’t enough to prevent pets from overheating on a hot day either.

“I have seen dogs overheat in air-conditioned cars on hot days, as air-conditioning doesn’t always cool all parts of the car equally.” she said.

Dr Hulands-Nave said short nosed dogs like staffies and bulldogs were most at risk.

“They don’t move the air as well because of their short noses and congested airways.”

Dr Hulands-Nave said even temperatures of 25 degrees can negatively impact short nosed breeds.

“Avoid travel on really hot days, stay at home and lie low.”

Field Team Manager Denis Brozinic said NRMA patrols were trained to unlock vehicles quickly.

“When we receive a call that a child is locked in a car, it becomes a priority job and is moved to the top of our list,”

“If your child is distressed, call 000. Emergency services can also assist and may be able to arrive on the scene sooner for urgent situations by using their sirens or flashing lights.”

Leaving an unattended child locked in a car under any circumstances is illegal.

Parents can be fined up to $22,000 under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998.