Children Left Unattended in Parked Vehicles in India: An Analysis of 40 Fatalities from 2011 to 2020

Abstract

Abstract Background Fatalities in children left unattended in parked motor vehicles are being reported frequently in the last decade but little research has been done analysing the circumstances leading to such preventable deaths in India. Objectives To analyse circumstances leading to fatalities in children left unattended in parked motor vehicles in India. Methods This study was a descriptive analysis conducted on the basis of an Internet search of published news in major Indian newspapers/channels using different combination of keywords. We extracted data from the published news using a pre-determined tool. Results Between 2011 and 2020, there were 23 incidents that resulted in 40 fatalities across India mostly in summer months. Majority of children were 4–6 years of age (26/40). Ninety percent of children gained access to unattended vehicles for playing and getting locked accidentally (36/40) while remaining cases involved being forgotten (3/40) or intentionally left behind (1/40). Conclusion Majority of hyperthermia-related deaths occurred while children gained access to unattended vehicles for playing and getting locked accidentally.