Scorching summer heat prompts RACQ safety warning
Queensland has already reached some of its hottest days on record, prompting a warning from the State’s peak motoring body that no amount of time is ever safe to leave children or pets alone in a vehicle.
RACQ Deputy Group CEO Glenn Toms said during Queensland’s summer months, cabin temperatures in cars could surpass 40 degrees in 31 minutes.
“In 2025, our patrols rescued 1,273 children and 778 animals locked in vehicles, with South East Queensland, the Darling Downs and Far North Queensland the main callout locations,” Mr Toms said.
“Many of the callouts our patrols attend are accidental and it’s important that drivers take some simple steps to help avoid the risk of a lock-in emergency.
“One of the most common scenarios we see is when a parent gives their keys to a child to play with while they pack the car.
“To avoid the risk, you should never give your keys to a child or leave your keys where a pet can accidently sit or stand on them.”
Mr Toms urged motorists to contact RACQ on 131111 for any lock-in emergency.
“Accidentally locking a child or pet in a vehicle can be highly stressful, and people may waste valuable time assessing what they should do or who to contact,” he said.
“Our patrols respond to these emergencies with the highest priority and can successfully unlock most cars within minutes using vehicle-specific methods.
“This service is available to all Queenslanders, regardless of whether you’re a member of RACQ or not.
“If you’re concerned about the health of a child locked in a car, call emergency services immediately.”
To avoid the risk of a lock-in emergency, the Queensland Government recommends creating a ‘Look Before You Lock’ routine:
- Place an item you will need at your destination in the back seat of the car, such as your bag or wallet
- Attach a mirror for rear-facing car seats so you can easily see your child
- Create a mental checklist to run through every time you leave the car, such as 'baby, keys, bag'
- Get in the habit of checking your backseat every time you get out of the car
- Be extra alert if your routine changes
For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/lookbeforeyoulock.
RACQ lock-in emergency callout locations in 2025:
|
Locality |
Emergency Events |
|
South East Queensland (North) |
677 |
|
South East Queensland (South) |
583 |
|
South East Queensland (West) |
372 |
|
Darling Downs South West |
113 |
|
Far North Queensland |
94 |
|
Fraser Coast and Gympie |
90 |
|
North Queensland |
88 |
|
Central Queensland |
76 |
|
Mackay Isaac Whitsunday |
75 |
|
Bundaberg-Burnett |
64 |
|
North West Queensland |
4 |
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