This case, unlike others, had numerous interferences which we had covered in previous posting that led to the demise of the little infant. Unfortunately, this is only one of the few that occurred across the US and accidents like these are still taking place! Over the past few months, we have described what Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke (PVH), how it affects both parents and infants, the physical and emotional consequences, preventions, and laws regulating unattended children left in cars. This week we will take a look at mother nature’s role in these terrible occurrences.
According to the following link dallascreates.org/locations-and-venues/dallas-area-information/historic-average-temperatures-in-dallas-texas/, an interior of a vehicle can reach up to a scorching temperature of 110° F (43° C) when exposed to an outside temperature of only around 70° F (21° C) degrees within one hour. As we may remember on our posting (December 9th, 2021), 105° F (40.5° C) temperature point is the tipping point of life or death for infants. Please do not think that for a second that even though it is a cool 66° F (18.8° C) outside, infants can still perish if left unattended in a vehicle for a long period of time.
According to a map from kidsandcars.org, it shows that California (64 PVH cases), Texas (146 PVH cases), and Florida (107 PVH cases) have the highest PVH cases due to long hot summer months. Please see below the breakdown of the monthly temperature (average highs) for Dallas Texas as an example.
If little Bryce had perished due to a cool temperature of just 66° F (18.8° C), think of how easily other children can be susceptible to PVH if they come to terms with higher temperatures shown just like in Dallas, Texas. Below shows unfortunate circumstances all over the United States. These are just a fraction of the stories and we should be looking out for any possible dangers that may lurk out there! Remember, our little loved ones deserve our 100% attention!
- July 2019 – In New York, 12-month-old twins Luna and Phoenix Rodriguez died after their father, social worker Jose Rodriguez, forgot them in the backseat.
- August 2019 – 6-month-old Jovany Morales was left in a Knoxville vehicle on a day when temperatures topped 90 degrees.
- September 2019 – 2-year-old June Love Augusto was left in a running car with the heat on full-blast and was found with burns on her body and an internal temperature of 107.5° F (41.9° C).
- August 2020 – In Birmingham, Alabama, two brothers, Daniel Garcia, 3, and Ivan Salazar Jr, 1, died from heatstroke after climbing into a hot vehicle and becoming trapped inside.
- September 2020 – A newborn was left in a vehicle for hours on a 91° F (32.8° C) day in Panama City, Florida before succumbing to heatstroke.
- May 2017 – In Caldwell, Idaho, Kyrae Vineyard was just five months old when the infant perished after four hours inside a car on a 76° F (24.4° C) day.
- October 2020 – Sayah Deal, a 21-month-old girl, died after being locked in a vehicle, and the caregiver refused to break the window, concerned over the cost of repair.
Nature shows no mercy for anything or anyone, therefore it is up to us to be proactive and prevent the worst from happening. Our children are our future, and we should cherish them no matter what we do.
Source:
Bryce Balfour |
KidsandCars.org
www.weather.gov/lsx/excessiveheat-automobiles
www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/hot-car-safety/#misconceptions
dallascreates.org/locations-and-venues/dallas-area-information/historic-average-temperatures-in-dallas-texas/
