Over a thousand children were rescued from locked cars in Queensland last year, new figures reveal.
There were close to 1200 rescues across the state in 2017, with emergency services rescuing 13 children from hot cars in a single day.
The temperature inside a locked car can climb 30 degrees hotter than outside temperature in just minutes.
On a 30 degree day, children and pets trapped inside locked cars risk death as temperatures can reach 60 degrees inside the vehicle, NRMA said.
There were close to 1200 rescues across the state in 2017, with emergency services rescuing 13 children from hot cars in a single day
Motorists have been urged to contact emergency services immediately to rescue their child or pet (pictured: police were forced to smash a car’s windows in 2017 after a parent allegedly left their child inside)
Queensland’s leading motoring body, the RACQ, recently released the figures to highlight the dangers of leaving children in cars.
A staggering amount of pets were also rescued over the year, with two dogs on average being taken from hot vehicles each day.
Brisbane recorded the highest number of rescues for the state, with 406 children and 161 pets trapped in cars.
Steve Spalding, RACQ’s Head of Technical and Safety Policy warned motorists to take more care with children and animals around their car.
‘The majority of cases where children are locked in cars are accidental and avoidable,’ Mr Spalding said.
‘Parents or carers will hand the keys to their child to play with while they unpack the shopping or load their vehicle, and they inadvertently press the lock button.’
Brisbane recorded the highest number of rescues for the state, with 406 children and 161 pets trapped in cars (pictured: a police officer photographs a car after a child was rescued)
Over a thousand children were rescued from locked cars in Queensland last year, new figures reveal
Mr Spalding said there was never a safe time to leave a child or animal alone in a vehicle.
‘It doesn’t matter if you’re parked in the shade or your windows are slightly down,’ he said.
Car temperatures can reach 40 degrees in just seven minutes, experts have said.
The RACQ said 75 per cent of the heat occurs within the first five minutes and 90 per cent within 15 minutes.
Motorists have been warned not to break windows to rescue children or pets, as the glass may cause more injury, and to call emergency services immediately.