Winter is quickly thawing into spring in Northern regions, and flowers are already blooming in many parts of the country. With warm weather comes the somber necessity to remind parents and caregivers of the risks sun-baked cars can present to young occupants.

Sunday, the Washington Post published a powerful piece on the dangers of leaving children in hot cars. The comprehensive article shares heart-wrenching tales of how kids are left in a hot car and the tragic consequences. As author Gene Weingarten points out, this is a classless catastrophe that can impact families from all walks of life.

The article is a painful read, though the insights it imparts can be life saving.

Read “Fatal Distraction.”

Tips to help prevent these deadly accidents:

• Never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle.
• Check the car to make sure that all occupants leave the vehicle or are carried out when unloading. If you lock the door with a key, rather than with a remote, it would force that one last look in the car before leaving it.
• Always lock your car and keep keys and remotes away from children.
• Keep a stuffed animal in the passenger seat as a reminder of a child in the backseat.
• Have a plan that your childcare provider will call you if your child does not show up.

For additional information on keeping your children  safe in and around motor vehicles, visit the Kids and Cars Web site.  Also, check out our car safety video above and learn more about hot cars. And do take extra care during the spring and summer months to ensure that children and pets are not left behind.

—Jeff Bartlett and Liza Barth