Сampaign to raise awareness of danger of leaving children in cars

Once again, a small child was forgotten in the car on a very hot day. The two year old whose father had left her in the car was taken to the hospital and is being treated.

"It could happen to anyone," says Orly Silvinger, head of the 'B'terem' association for the safety of children. "There's no specific type who will forget their child in the car. The quick pace of life diverts our attention constantly."

B'terem recently launched a campaign for awareness of this problem with a video in which a chef will place a pizza in a hot car to cook. After 30 minutes, the pizza is ready. "In the summer, the car is like an oven," he explains.

Since 2008, 313 children and babies have been left in vehicles in Israel. 16 cases resulted in death. 84% were in private cars and 11% arranged transportation. "One of the most important things you can do," explains Silvinger, "is to place something you use constantly next to the child like keys, your purse or materials for a meeting. You can also put a reminder in your phone. It is important not to conduct long phone calls which will distract you and prolong the ride."

You should never leave children in the car even for a minute. Even if the weather is not especially hot, there is still great danger for a child left in a car.