What is hot car safety?

Children who are left unattended in vehicles while a parent or caregiver runs a quick errand—or when a child becomes trapped in a vehicle can result in serious injuries or death. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) wants you to be aware of how dangerous leaving unattended children in hot cars can be.  

According to the National Safety Council on average, 38 children under the age of 15 die each year from heatstroke after being left in a vehicle.  Small children are especially at risk for heatstroke when left alone in a car because their bodies heat up almost five times faster than adults. Children develop heatstroke at when their internal body temperature reaches 104 degrees, and death can occur at 107 degrees.

• Learn more from EmergencyPhysicians.org

What is impaired driving?

Impaired driving is dangerous. It's the cause of more than half of all car crashes. It means operating a motor vehicle while you are affected by:

• Alcohol
• Legal or illegal drugs
• Sleepiness
• Distractions, such as using a cell phone or texting
• Having a medical condition which affects your driving

For your safety and the safety of others, do not drive while impaired. Have someone else drive you or take public transportation when you cannot drive. If you need to take a call or send a text message, pull over.

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What is motor vehicle safety?

Every year thousands of people in the U.S. die from motor vehicle crashes. Trying to prevent these crashes is one part of motor vehicle safety. Here are some things you can do to be safer on the road:

• Make sure your vehicle is safe and in working order
• Use car seats for children
• Wear your seat belt
• Don't speed or drive aggressively
• Don't drive impaired

Safety also involves being aware of others. Share the road with bicycles and motorcycles, and watch for pedestrians.

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