Here's a very long article about leaving kids in cars - fatal accidents. Interviews with parents who have done just that, etc. Completely and totally heartbreaking, but a good reminder to be extra vigilant especially when you are doing things out of your normal routine.
If you don't want to read the article (and I truly understand why), here's at least some strategies to practice to keep your own kid(s) safe:
KidsAndCars.org, an advocacy group for child vehicle safety, urges some basic measures to prevent the tragedy of children being inadvertently left in vehicles:
Always put something you'll need for work -- cellphone, handbag, employee badge, etc. -- on the floor of the back seat, near the child.
Keep a large teddy bear in the child's car seat when it's not occupied. When the child is placed in the seat, put the teddy bear up front in the passenger seat. It's a visual reminder that anytime the teddy bear is in the passenger seat, the child is in the back.
Make arrangements with your child's day-care provider or babysitter that you will always call them if your child will not be there on a particular day as scheduled. Ask them to always phone you if your child does not show up when expected.
Re: Heartbreaking article
Ooh, I just cannot bring myself to read the article right now because I remember how heartbreaking the stories from last summer hit so hard (I remember the one in Houston in particular).
But, thanks for posting. Those tips you posted are awesome.
~NDK~
I don't really want to read the article, but I can honestly say that this is one of my biggest fears with DH. If DS was in the backseat and not making any noise, I could honestly see him forgetting he was back there, not dropping him off at daycare, and just rushing into work - esp. if he's running late. He gets so distracted in the car (so does his dad). One time, when we were first dating they were driving to my house to help me move some stuff to college in Belton. I live off of 3406 (N. Round Rock) and they got all the way to JARREL before realizing that they needed to come pick me up first! That's seriously like 25 minutes away from my house.
If we're talking, DH will miss exits, even the turn to our house. He's just not good at multi-tasking. So I guess I can totally see how this could happen to someone who is like my DH. It's not something intentional at all, but so, so scary.
Thanks for the tips - we will definitely be implementing all of those once he's dropping DS off at daycare in the mornings!
thanks for sharing. the article is truly heartbreaking.
libbyann, my dh is the same way - misses exits to someplace we've been a thousand times. and what worries me is that i know we're not going to have a set schedule of who picks up and drops off dd because our work schedules vary so much every day of every week. we will certainly be putting those tips in place once dd starts daycare next week.
I was doing just fine with all the medical details until I read the sidebar
"But in my dreams, that scenario changes a little. I can see my son in the car. I wave, and I say, 'I'll be right back, Tyler.'" I live on such little sleep that I totally fear this happening to me =( All good reminders, good hints tips and tricks to never let this be the case for our family. I left a copy of my work schedule at Daycare today and asked them to call me if DD isn't there when I say she will be.
Thank you. (I had to stop reading about halfway because I almost threw up)