Summer heat turns cars into death traps: Essential safety tips for kids in cars

Hyderabad: How dangerous are locked cars to children? In April 2025, two young children died from suffocation after they accidentally got locked inside a parked car in Damergidda village of Chevella mandal, Ranga Reddy District.

The victims, identified as Tanmayashree (5), daughter of Kavali Venkatesh and Jyoti from Pamena village and Abhinayashree (4), daughter of Mahender and Umarani from Sitarampur village, had accompanied their families to attend the wedding of their uncle, Telugu Rambabu, which was scheduled to take place on April 30.

This is not an isolated incident. There have been many incidents of children dying of suffocation. In the wake of such incidents, Cyberabad cops have issued a cautionary advisory.

With summer being upon us, it is important for four-wheeler owners to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of children inside the vehicles, during the journey and afterwards too.

Here are some safety tips car owners can follow:

- Always check the car before locking. Before walking away, inspect both front and back seats. Make it a habit to ‘Look Before You Lock.’

- Double-check your car before locking—ensure no child or pet is left inside.

Educate children about the dangers of locked cars

- Never leave children unattended in or around a vehicle, not even for a short time.

- Keep car keys out of children’s reach to prevent accidental access.

- Educate children that cars are not safe places to play or hide. Ensure they understand never to enter a car alone.

- Communicate clearly—when multiple adults are travelling with a child, assign who is responsible. Don’t assume someone else has taken the child out.

- Inform family members and domestic helpers about these safety practices.

Never assume safety without checking

- Always lock your car when it’s parked, even at home. Keep keys away from children’s reach.

- Install safety alerts such as rear seat reminders or child detection systems that notify you if a child is left inside.

- Avoid using black films or heavily tinted windows on car glass, as they reduce visibility and make it harder for others to notice if someone is trapped inside.

- Keep doors and windows closed and locked at all times when the vehicle is not in use.

- If a child goes missing, check inside the vehicle and nearby cars immediately.

- Be alert to children playing near parked vehicles, especially during hot weather.

- Raise community awareness. Neighbours and bystanders should act immediately—if you see a child alone in a parked car, call emergency services without delay.