RALEIGH -- With daytime temperatures lingering in the 90s, The N.C. Highway Patrol is reminding motorists of the dangers associated with leaving children unattended inside a vehicle.
The patrol says 35 to 40 children across the country die each year from heat exposure in vehicles and July is historically the deadliest month for child fatalities.
To avoid a tragedy, the patrol has several suggestions, including a reminder to people never to leave a child alone in a car. The patrol also reminds motorists to lock the doors when the vehicle is parked to prevent children from playing inside.
Also, the patrol says if someone sees a child or a pet is left unattended in a vehicle, the person should call 911 immediately.