Remember

Safe Kids Buckle Up reminds parents caregivers, and children that vehicles are not play areas.  This includes trunks, which may seem harmless, but can result in accidental entrapment. 

All cars made after 2001 are equipped with a trunk handle release in case of accidental entrapment. Parents and caregivers should first look in trunks if missing children cannot be found quickly.

Children should be taught that trunks are not safe places to play; they are for storage and should be used under adult supervision only.   

• Cars built after 2001 are built with a glow-in-the-dark trunk release handle in case of emegency.  

• Many older cars can be retrofitted with a trunk release handle by the dealership.

Tips

• Store keys and remote entry devices away from children.

• Check trunks for missing children.Every second counts.

• Show children the glow-in-the-dark trunk handle release.  When they are strong enough, teach them how to use it properly.

• Teach children that trunks are for cargo - not for people or pets.

Facts

• There were at least nine incidents of fatal car trunk entrapment resulting in 19 deaths to children under age 7 from 1987-1998, all occurring in hot weather.

• Eight of the incidents occurred when the outside temperature was at least 90 °F degrees Fahrenheit and at least five cars were parked in direct sunlight.

• The American Automobile Manufacturers Association reported 16 deaths of children in seven incidents of accidental entrapment from 1987 through 1998 and 12 cases of intentional entrapment of children (4 deaths) in trunks in the same period.

Child Passenger Safety Web site

More about Child Passenger Safety

Suggested Links

• Kids In Cars - Information about keeping kids safe in or around cars

• Hyperthermia Deaths of Children in Vehicles

• Spot The Tot and Safe Kids Utah: Violence and Injury Prevention Program at the Utah Department of Health

• GM Safety Information