WA RAC Roadside Assistance Patrols attended 569 accidental lock-in incidents across 2025, including 263 involving children and 306 involving pets.
The figure represents a 27 per cent increase compared with the previous year, prompting renewed warnings for drivers to stay alert.
“Accidental lock-ins can happen to anyone”
RAC Senior Manager Communications Rhys Heron said the rising number of incidents should serve as a timely reminder for motorists.
“Accidental lock-ins can happen to anyone, and they happen in seconds,” Mr Heron said.
“These situations are incredibly stressful, and in hot weather can become dangerous very quickly.”
“The simplest and safest choice is to keep your keys on you at all times, avoid placing them on seats or in bags inside the car, and double-check doors before closing them.”
Everyday moments, serious consequences
Lock-ins most commonly occur during routine tasks such as loading groceries, buckling children into car seats or securing pets before travel.
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In Western Australia’s extreme heat, temperatures inside parked vehicles can rise rapidly, creating serious risks within minutes.
“It only takes a split second for a door to swing shut or an automatic locking system to activate, leaving keys inside and a child or pet accidentally locked in,” Mr Heron said.
What to do in an emergency
RAC says Roadside Assistance Patrols treat lock-in incidents as a priority, however patrol vehicles do not have emergency sirens and response times can be affected by traffic conditions.
“If you are faced with this situation, contact emergency services immediately if there are any signs of distress or heat risk,” Mr Heron said.
Drivers are urged not to delay calling emergency services if a child or pet appears distressed or is in immediate danger, as rapid action can be critical in preventing serious harm.