To the editor:

As the summer comes to an end, I find it timely to remind your readers of the dangers of vehicular hypothermia and the risks that remain as we transition into the fall. 

According to NHTSA, over the past 25 years, more than 950 children have died of heatstroke because they were left or became trapped in a hot car. Even when it is in the mid-60s outside, the inside of a vehicle can reach temperatures above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Although we, as parents and caregivers, believe we would never put our children in danger, these tragedies can arise quickly and can affect anyone.

The good news is that these incidents are always preventable.

Always check the back seat when you leave, never leave a child alone inside a car even for a minute, and always lock your car to prevent children from climbing in and getting trapped. If you see a child alone in a locked car, act immediately by calling 911. If the child appears to be in distress due to heat, remove them from the vehicle as quickly as possible and begin cooling them down immediately.

Thank you for drawing attention to this important public safety issue and I hope your readers will heed this warning.

Kevin Lynch
Chief, Bristol Police Department