An average of 37 kids die from being left in a hot car each year in the U.S. In 2018, 52 hot car deaths were recorded – the highest number in the last 20 years. In some cases, these deaths occur on relatively mild days with temperatures only in the 70s.
These unimaginable tragedies can happen to anyone – from any walk of life. Most hot car deaths are completely unintentional, with the child unknowingly left in the car or the child getting into the car on their own. Situations in which kids get hurt in hot cars include:
The Danger of a Hot Car for a Baby or Child
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “a locked car sitting in the summer sun quickly turns into an oven,” and, “temperatures can climb from 78 F to 100 F in just three minutes, to 125 F in 6-8 minutes.” At those temperatures, kids are at great risk for heat stroke, which can lead to a high fever, dehydration, seizures, stroke, and death.
Hot Car Safety Tips
To keep your kids safe:
Kids in Cool Cars Also at Risk
The danger of being left alone isn’t limited to kids getting overheated. Simply leaving the car running and the air conditioning on doesn’t make your child any safer, even if it is just for a few minutes. Your child might be abducted, put the car into drive, or even get caught in a closing power window. Don’t leave your kids alone in the car. It just isn’t safe. Besides, 20 states have laws against leaving children unattended in vehicles.