PETA and Kids And Cars Org. Advocates For Heat Safety

The KidsandCars.org has strategically partnered with animal rights organization, PETA, to create a campaign that further sheds light on the heat safety risks associated with hot cars. Having concern for both child and animal welfare, these individualized groups are the perfect match to advocate for heat safety concerns in summer 2021. 

With sunny season in full swing, the need for heat safety awareness is greater than ever. By initiating the #HotCarsKill campaign across Twitter and Instagram, these two organizations have collaborated to bring forth awareness on one of the leading causes of preventable deaths each year.

Read on to learn important statistics regarding hot car safety for both kids and animals, including how PETA will play an integral role in spreading awareness.

Kid statistics involving hot car safety

On average, an estimated 38 children die from a heat stroke each year due to being left in the car. Unfortunately, that number could be zero with more better information and caution. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a child’s body temperature will rise three to five times faster than an adult. With this knowledge, drivers should know that leaving a child behind is never an option. These deaths are easily stoppable if more drivers were made aware of the dangers of hot cars. 

Animals need safety too

Your furry friend might love a good car ride, but leaving them behind when you run into a store puts their safety at risk. An errand that you might intend to be only 5 minutes could quickly turn into 15. Subsequently, the safety of your pup becomes jeopardized the longer you’re away. According to PETA, those few extra minutes could be life-changing to the wellbeing of your pup. 

It might seem mild enough outside to you, but trapped inside a stifling car on a warm day, dogs can die within just a few minutes. #HotCarsKill pic.twitter.com/TAr4IvTNjQ

— PETA (@peta) June 9, 2021

The type of dog you have can even factor into their ability to withstand hot cars. According to The Zebra, pugs and bulldogs are more likely to die from a heatstroke while locked inside a car. Owners of these pups should take added caution when thinking of leaving their buddy behind. Not to mention, every breed is vulnerable. The best thing is to never prioritize your shopping agenda over your pet’s safety.  

PETA offers ways to help

When a bystander sees a cute dog, it’s hard not to drop everything you’re doing and give the pup some love. However, the moment you notice your new furry friend is stuck inside a hot car, it’s important to take action.

PETA suggests the following steps after witnessing an animal stuck inside a hot car:

1. Take a picture of the license plate and take note of the make and model of the car.
2. Enter the nearest building, supermarket, or gas station to get ahold of the owner.
3. Monitor the animal throughout the process. Are they panting? Are they frantically pacing?
4. When in doubt, call animal control. If you’re unable to track down the owner and too much time has passed, your only option is to put the safety of the animal first.

How to prevent hot car deaths?

Young children and animals are at the greatest risk of hot car deaths because they don’t have the ability to unlock car doors and escape from the spike in temperature. Therefore, the #HotCarsKill campaign will hopefully bring more awareness to this cause. So far, its success is a true testament to the power of social media. More drivers have gained knowledge of this issue thanks to Kids and Cars organization and PETA’s alliance this summer. 

In truth, the only way to prevent hot car deaths is to not take the risk. Whether you just have a quick errand or loose track of time, it’s definitely not worth the outcome. Your kid or animal relies on you to keep them safe; this is just another circumstance where added precaution is necessary.

How Kids and Cars Organization and PETA are making a change

The Kids and Cars organization and PETA are doing their part to bring attention to an important cause. With rising temperatures worldwide, it’s vital for drivers to keep these safety measures in mind the next time they even think of leaving a child or animal behind. The bottom line: don’t do it. Either keep your car running with A/C or figure out an alternative option.