Check keys, check kids

Discover the dangers of accidental lock-ins and how to prevent them.

RACV attends an average of three accidental lock-ins incidents a day. When we consider that even on mild days, the temperature inside a parked car can be 20 to 40°C hotter than the temperature outside, it’s scary to think what can happen to a child locked in a car. Here we provide guidance on what you can do to avoid an accidental lock-in.

1

Check Keys, Check Kids RACV child safety

Wind windows down before putting children in the car in case the car automatically locks.

2

GIF of parent and child waving arms with keys in hand

Never let children play with keys as they can accidentally lock the car.

3

Check Keys, Check Kids RACV child safety

Avoid distraction when loading and unloading the car.

4

Check Keys, Check Kids RACV child safety

Have an easy way to hold on to your keys to avoid an accidental lockout.

  • How hot does a car get?

    RACV tested the interior temperature of a car on a 30-degree day and found that the inside temperature reached 70 degrees.

    According to research done by RACQ, the interior temperature of a car rises quickly to unsafe levels for occupants regardless of whether the vehicle is light or dark in colour or had tinted windows or reflective sunshades. Leaving the windows slightly open also does not help to significantly reduce the temperature inside the vehicle

  • Why are children at risk?

    Young children are particularly vulnerable because they’re more sensitive to heat than older children and adults.

    A young child’s body temperature can rise 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s temperature. This places them at greater risk of heatstroke, dehydration and other health risks.

  • What to do if you locked your child in the car

    Considering the dangers that vehicle lock-ins pose to young children, RACV prioritises call-outs of this nature as urgent and provides assistance as fast as possible.

    • If your child or baby is locked in a car, call RACV Roadside Assistance (13 11 11). You don’t need to be an RACV member in this situation.
    • If your child is distressed or in need of medical attention, call emergency services (000) immediately.

  • What to do if you see a child left in a car

    If you see a child left in a car and are concerned for their health, please call emergency services (000) immediately.

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