RAC is urging parents and guardians to keep their keys on them in preparation for the hottest month of the year in WA, as data reveals RAC Roadside Assistance Patrols rescued nearly 500 children and pets from locked cars last year.
In 2022, RAC Patrols rescued 304 children and 186 pets trapped in cars, including on some of Perth’s hottest summer days.
RAC General Manager External Relations Will Golsby said finding your child or pet locked inside the car can be extremely distressing and dangerous.
“The temperature inside the car can rise rapidly in an incredibly short period of time, even in cooler weather,” Mr Golsby said.
“We’re urging parents to stay vigilant and keep their keys close to them especially as we head into the hottest month of the year.”
The most common locations where lock-ins occur are outside a shopping centre, a childcare centre or in the driveway at home.
“Most lock-ins occur when a child is given the car keys to play with, or the keys are left within the child’s reach. With pets, it’s usually when they step on the lock,” Mr Golsby said.
“Never give your child the keys to play with, and make sure you don’t close your doors and boot until you are holding your keys.”
Time is critical when a child is trapped, and RAC always prioritises these call outs to the closest Patrol.
However, RAC Patrols don’t have emergency sirens and can still get caught in traffic. If a child is distressed or in a dangerous situation, emergency services should be contacted immediately.
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Media contact: Olivia Palmer, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
