RACQ issues warning as heatwave engulfs Queensland

RACQ has reminded motorists to keep their car keys close to avoid locking a loved one or pet inside a hot vehicle as temperatures soar across Queensland.

According to the insurer’s research, the temperature inside a car packed outside could increase by 10 degrees within only 10 minutes, so parents and pet owners must not be complacent.

“The temperature in a car can skyrocket very quickly even if your car is parked in the shade or if the window is left ajar,” RACQ media advisor and spokesperson Kate Leonard-Jones said. “We’re asking drivers to pay extra attention to what you’re doing and don’t leave car keys lying around or give them to children.

Leonard-Jones further advised motorists to call RACQ (13 11 11) if a person or animal is locked inside a car or emergency services (000) if they are concerned about a child’s health.

“We treat children locked in cars as the highest priority, which is why we go to the rescue of anyone in this situation, whether the driver is an RACQ member or not,” she said.

Children and pets locked in vehicles in 2022

In 2022, RACQ patrols responded to over 1,700 incidents of children and animals locked in vehicles.

“We receive roughly four calls a day to rescue a child or animal trapped in a car, and while lock-ins are usually accidental, it can be a very scary and life-threatening situation,” Leonard-Jones said.

“The vast majority of accidental lock-ins happen when the child has been given a set of keys to play with, and they’ve pressed the lock button, so it highlights the importance of keeping your keys secure.”