RACQ has issued a stark warning to Noosa motorists to never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, after responding to more than 2,200 lock-in emergencies across Queensland last year, with South East Queensland (North) recording the highest number of callouts.
As Queensland experiences some of its hottest days on record, the State’s peak motoring body has stressed that no amount of time is ever safe to leave a child or animal alone in a parked car.
RACQ Deputy Group CEO Glenn Toms said vehicle cabin temperatures could exceed 40 degrees in just 31 minutes during summer, even on milder days.
“In 2025 alone, our patrols rescued 1,273 children and 778 animals who were accidentally locked inside vehicles,” Mr Toms said.
“South East Queensland (North), which includes the Noosa region, recorded 677 emergency events – the highest of any region in the state.”
Mr Toms said while many incidents were accidental, simple precautions could significantly reduce the risk of a lock-in emergency.
“One of the most common scenarios we attend is when a parent hands their keys to a child to play with while loading the car,” he said.
“To avoid this, never give your keys to a child and don’t leave keys where a pet could accidentally sit or stand on them.”
Motorists are urged to contact RACQ immediately on 131 111 if a lock-in emergency occurs.
“Accidentally locking a child or pet in a vehicle is extremely stressful, and people can lose valuable time trying to work out what to do,” Mr Toms said.
“Our patrols treat these situations as the highest priority and can unlock most vehicles within minutes using vehicle-specific methods. This service is available to all Queenslanders, regardless of RACQ membership.”
However, if there is immediate concern for a child’s health, motorists are urged to call emergency services without delay.
The Queensland Government also recommends creating a ‘Look Before You Lock’ routine, including placing essential items in the back seat, using mirrors for rear-facing car seats, checking the back seat every time you exit the vehicle, and being especially alert when routines change.
More information is available at qld.gov.au/lookbeforeyoulock
