Maccabi Issues Guidelines to Prevent Child Forgetting in Cars Amid Heatwave

As Israel faces a period of intense heat, Maccabi Healthcare Services has reiterated safety guidelines to prevent the dangerous and recurring phenomenon of children being forgotten in vehicles. This risk, often linked to parental fatigue, stress, or changes in routine, can lead to tragic outcomes, including fatalities. Maccabi emphasizes that this can happen to any parent and urges adopting essential habits to avoid such disasters.

The organization advises parents of children under three to always check that the car is empty upon exiting. To reduce distractions, Maccabi recommends avoiding phone conversations while driving, as mobile phones are a primary source of distraction. Another practical tip is to place personal items like bags, wallets, and especially phones in the back seat to ensure parents remember to check there.

Planning the trip in advance, setting reminders before departure and upon arrival, and maintaining communication with a partner when reaching the destination are also encouraged. Rabbi Moshe Schlesinger, head of communications for the ultra-Orthodox sector at Maccabi, stressed that adherence to these rules can help families navigate the summer safely and calmly. He highlighted Maccabi's commitment to professional awareness campaigns to protect children’s safety during the hot season.