RAC urging drivers to be vigilant as data shows child and pet lock-ins a daily occurrence in WA

Parents are being urged not to leave children and pets inside hot cars this summer, with new figures revealing kids and animals had to be rescued from locked vehicles at least once a day last year. With the mercury tipped to top 41C this week, authorities have asked parents to be vigilant fearing the “extreme and dangerous” temperatures which rise quickly inside a car could lead to serious injury or death to a child or pet within minutes. KidSafe WA warned most of the increase in heat in a parked car happens within the first five minutes with the temperature usually 30C hotter than the outside. Children are at greater risk of heatstroke than adults and feel the effects more rapidly. Figures provided to The Sunday Times this week reveal RAC Roadside Assistance Patrols attended 413 lock-ins in 2024, including 247 for children and 166 for pets — more than one a day. RAC external relations general manager Will Golsby said most lock-ins occurred in home driveways or car parks when a child is given the keys to play with or the keys get locked in the boot. Pet lock-ins were often due to animals stepping on the central lock. Mr Golsby urged drivers to keep hold of the keys. “Always keep your keys on you, not in the car — attach them to a wristband or lanyard for easy access,” he said. “Create a habit of checking the backseat every time you exit your vehicle, even if you think it’s empty, and place essential items, like a phone or purse, in the backseat to ensure you look before locking the doors.” RSPCA WA was inundated with reports of dogs left in hot cars at shopping centres in December. “Dogs regulate their temperature through panting,” a spokesman said. “If the air they are breathing in is hot, they can’t regulate their temperature and are at serious risk of heatstroke or death. “The temperature in a parked car can quickly climb to double the outside temperature and kill a dog in just six minutes. “If you love your dog, leave them at home when it’s hot. There are no excuses.” If you spot a dog left in a car at a shopping centre, RSPCA urges you to ask the centre management to page the owner of the vehicle. It can also be reported to the RSPCA cruelty hotline on 1300 278 358.