A $3 million public safety campaign has been launched to prevent child heatstroke deaths in hot cars.

The U.S. Department of Transportation initiative aims to educate the public about the dangers hot vehicles pose to children.

“As we enter the hot summer months, the Department is launching a $3 million information campaign to remind drivers to never leave children unattended in cars and to lock their cars to prevent neighborhood children from entering the heated car,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L Chao.

Public service announcements will run through summer reminding parents and caregivers to always: Park. Look. Lock.

The Department of Transportation provides the following important heatstroke prevention tips:

  • Keep vehicles locked at all times when parked to prevent a child climbing in and becoming trapped
  • Teach children that vehicles are not a place to play
  • Never leave a child in a vehicle when running errands, not even for a minute
  • Rolling down a window does little to keep a vehicle cool, and heatstroke deaths have occurred even in vehicles parked in shaded areas
  • Bystanders can also play an important role in saving a life – if you see a child alone in a vehicle, call 911 and get help immediately