The latest figures from Queensland’s largest roadside assistance fleet revealed RACQ patrols responded to 2,446 lock-in emergencies to date in 2023.

RACQ Chief Executive Assistance Glenn Toms said patrols responded to lock-ins with the highest priority, as the situation could quickly become life-threatening.

“Concerningly, we have rescued 1,518 children and 796 animals that were locked in vehicles throughout the year,” Mr Toms said.

“One of the most common causes patrols encountered was parents had given a child the keys to play with while they loaded the car, and the child accidentally pressed the lock button.

“For animal rescues, typically the keys were placed on the seat and the pet inadvertently stepped on the lock button.

“It’s important to remember to keep your car keys with you at all times and well away from little hands or paws.

“The temperature inside a vehicle can quickly reach dangerous levels, even if you are parked in the shade or it doesn’t feel like a particularly hot day.

“According to RACQ research, the temperature inside a typical car parked outside can increase by 10 degrees within just 10 minutes*.”

The warning comes as some modern vehicles have introduced new technology and features such as ‘Dog Mode’, which may entice motorists to leave animals alone in the car.

“Some modern vehicles have new technology allowing the owner to put the vehicle into ‘Dog Mode’, which keeps the cabin at a set temperature, gives access to the internal camera and even puts a message up on the central touchscreen reading ‘My owner will be back soon’,” Mr Toms said.

“Despite advances in technology, you should never leave children or animals alone in a vehicle, as there is no guarantee of their safety.

“Unexpected delays in returning to the car, software or battery failure for the vehicle or mobile phone, and other unforeseen circumstances make it a risk people should not be willing to take.

“If a person or animal is locked in a vehicle, please call RACQ roadside assistance on 13 11 11. If you’re concerned about the health of a child, call emergency services immediately.”

Top regions for RACQ roadside assistance emergency lock-in responses in 2023:

*Test was conducted in February 2022 in a dark coloured vehicle.