Look Before You Lock
Leaving children unattended in a vehicle can have devastating consequences.
In as little as five minutes, the temperature in a vehicle can reach dangerous levels and the impact of heat on a child's body is almost immediate—and can be fatal.
To prevent this, anyone transporting children (including parents and carers) should always check their vehicle. Here are suggested steps to take before, during, and after any journey:
- Place an item you will need at your destination in the back seat of the car, such as your bag or wallet.
- Attach a mirror for rear facing car seats so you can easily see your child.
- Create a mental checklist to run through every time you leave the car, such as 'baby, keys, bag'.
- Get in the habit of checking your backseat every time you get out of the car. Check even if you know your child is not with you. This will help make looking before you lock part of your normal routine.
By creating a ‘Look Before You Lock’ routine and including simple steps into your daily habits, you can help avoid unintentionally leaving a child in a vehicle.
Look Before You Lock. Every Single Time.
Early childhood services
From 1 March 2023, there are new transport-related requirements under the Education and Care Services National Regulations.
The new amendments represent a real step forward in driving greater protection for children during transportation.