Monday, 27 November 2023: The NRMA is urging parents to keep track of their keys this summer after releasing new research revealing shopping centres are the most common place children and pets are locked in cars.
The three most common locations for NRMA Roadside assistance call outs for kids and pets locked in cars are car parks at shopping centres (45%), side streets (28%), and driveways and at home (20%).
Over the last 12 months NRMA patrols have responded to 1807 calls where a child or a pet has been locked in a car. While the majority were accidents, the number still remains high with concerns raised as the temperatures rise.
As we approach summer the NRMA is reminding parents and pet owners to be vigilant, not to leave their children and pets unattended in cars and make sure they know where their car keys are at all times.
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.”
Denis Brozinic, Field Team Manager, said NRMA patrols were highly 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 and dangerous. Parents can be fined up to $22,000 under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998.
