A car trunk may seem like a fun playground to kids, but it is a dangerous place. You can protect your child, and your neighbor’s children, by learning these tips to prevent trunk entrapment.

Hard Facts about Trunk Entrapment

A combination of poor ventilation and high temperatures make trunk space a dangerous place for children. From 2005 to 2009, trunk entrapment resulted in the death of 16 children in the United States.

Top Tips about Trunk Entrapment

1. Make sure to lock your vehicle, including doors and trunk, when you’re not using it. Keep keys and remote entry fobs out of children’s sight and reach.
2. If your child is missing, get help and check swimming pools, vehicles and trunks. If a child is locked in a car, get him or her out as quickly as possible and dial 911 immediately. Emergency personnel are trained to evaluate and check for signs of heatstroke.
3. Teach kids that trunks are for transporting cargo and are not safe places to play.
4. Show older kids how to locate and use the emergency trunk release found in cars manufactured after Sept. 1, 2001. Young children will not have the strength or ability to open the release bar.
5. Keep rear fold-down seats closed to help prevent kids from climbing into the trunk from an unlocked car.
6. Talk to neighbors about keeping their vehicles locked.

Learn More

When it comes to cars, there are lots of things you can do to keep kids safe. Learn more tips about how to protect children from heatstroke prevention and driveway safety.

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