Hidden Dangers
HIDDEN DANGERS TO CHILDREN INSIDE AND OUTSIDE VEHICLES
 Children should never be left unattended inside or even near parked vehicles because there are a host of hidden dangers that can kill a child. Since 1990, every state has experienced child injuries and fatalities because children were left unattended near vehicles.
To prevent these numbers from rising, parents and caregivers should take the following steps to insure child safety:
- Always lock your vehicle;
- Teach your children not to play in or around vehicles, they are not toys;
- Never leave your child inside a vehicle, even if it is running with the air conditioner or heat on;
- Teach your children about the dangers of playing in and around vehicles; and
- Do not be afraid to tell parents or caregivers about the dangers of leaving a child unattended if you see a child left inside a vehicle.
There is no federal or state database that collects information related to deaths and injuries that occur as non-traffic related incidents. The following data was collected from news sources.
Two wonderful organizations were born out of tragedies associated with hidden vehicle dangers: www.kidsincars.org and .www.kidsandcars.org. The Struttman and Fennel families realized following lifealtering events that a public forum was needed to educate parents and caregivers on
the dangers of vehicles and children. These families have also tirelessly lobbied for creation of laws to protect children.
The following are examples of hidden dangers that have claimed
the lives of children. Education, legislation and vehicle safety enhancements would have prevented most of these deaths.
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