A total of 15 children have already died in 2012 from heat stroke after being left in unattended vehicles. In 2011 a total of 33 similar deaths were confirmed. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is taking an active role in getting the word out about the safe transportation of children. ACF is teaming with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Safe Kids USA to promote the “Look Before You Lock Campaign.” As the first line of defense for children in Head Start and child care programs, Linda Smith, the Deputy Assistant Secretary and Inter-Departmental Liaison for Early Childhood Development at ACF, speaks to Head Start and child care providers about the importance of double-checking cars, vans, and buses for children who might have been left behind. Please help us spread the word and raise awareness by sharing this message with Head Start and child care providers and early childhood organizations and networks in your State and community.
To view Linda’s message, click here for her webcast and here for her blog.
To learn more about the campaign, please visit www.nhtsa.gov or www.safekids.org.