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Forgetting kids and pets in cars: how it happens and how to prevent it
We’re in our cars every day — to work, school, the shops — and most of the time, we don’t even think about getting there. Our minds switch to autopilot.
But sometimes, all it takes is a moment’s distraction or a break in routine, and that autopilot can short-circuit leading to a child or pet being left behind in the car. And when it’s hot, the temperature inside a vehicle can double in minutes, with devastating consequences.
It’s not as uncommon as you might think. Here in WA, RAC Roadside Assistance rescued 585 children and pets from locked cars this past year. And it’s not just kids and animals — some adults have had to be rescued too, after accidentally locking themselves inside their vehicle.
To shed some light on why this happens, and what’s being done to prevent it, we chatted to Professor Warren Mansell from Curtin University, and RAC Roadside Patrol Mark Dring, who’s seen these rescues firsthand.
00:00 The Reality of Leaving Kids and Pets in Cars
01:00 Why Do We Forget?
01:26 The Brain's Automation and Everyday Life
04:12 Real-Life Rescue Examples
07:23 How Quickly Cars Heat Up
10:39 Preventing Lock-Ins
25:52 How Technology and Routine can Help
32:53 What to Do if You See a Child or Pet Locked in a Car
Guests
- Warren Mansell – Professor of Mental Health, Curtin University
- Mark Dring – RAC Roadside Patrol
Subscribe and share
If you liked this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family.
Find us online
Website: https://rac.com.au/horizons
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HorizonsRAC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racwa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racwa/
Legal disclaimer
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
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By RAC WAWe’re in our cars every day — to work, school, the shops — and most of the time, we don’t even think about getting there. Our minds switch to autopilot.
But sometimes, all it takes is a moment’s distraction or a break in routine, and that autopilot can short-circuit leading to a child or pet being left behind in the car. And when it’s hot, the temperature inside a vehicle can double in minutes, with devastating consequences.
It’s not as uncommon as you might think. Here in WA, RAC Roadside Assistance rescued 585 children and pets from locked cars this past year. And it’s not just kids and animals — some adults have had to be rescued too, after accidentally locking themselves inside their vehicle.
To shed some light on why this happens, and what’s being done to prevent it, we chatted to Professor Warren Mansell from Curtin University, and RAC Roadside Patrol Mark Dring, who’s seen these rescues firsthand.
00:00 The Reality of Leaving Kids and Pets in Cars
01:00 Why Do We Forget?
01:26 The Brain's Automation and Everyday Life
04:12 Real-Life Rescue Examples
07:23 How Quickly Cars Heat Up
10:39 Preventing Lock-Ins
25:52 How Technology and Routine can Help
32:53 What to Do if You See a Child or Pet Locked in a Car
Guests
- Warren Mansell – Professor of Mental Health, Curtin University
- Mark Dring – RAC Roadside Patrol
Subscribe and share
If you liked this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family.
Find us online
Website: https://rac.com.au/horizons
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HorizonsRAC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racwa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racwa/
Legal disclaimer
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.