May 24, 2016, 12:00:00 AM CDT Sep 7, 2023, 1:12:02 PM CDT

6 tips for preventing hot car deaths

Busy, distracted parents can easily leave a child in a hot car but following a few simple tips may help save lives.

Share:
The dangers of a hot car for children and tips for preventing hot car deaths. The dangers of a hot car for children and tips for preventing hot car deaths.

Hot car death statistics

Did you know that Texas leads the nation in child hot car deaths? According to KidsAndCars.org, 143 children died from vehicular heatstroke in Texas between 1990 and 2020. Hot car deaths in 2018 were at an all-time high with a total of 54 children dying in hot cars nationwide.

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, even on a relatively mild 80-degree day, the temperature inside a car can rise 19 degrees in 10 minutes. Since a child's body heats up three to five times faster than an adult's, the risk of heat stroke, brain damage and death are much greater for children left in hot cars.

This means that only a few minutes can make the difference between life and death.

The Children's Health℠ Injury Prevention team reminds us that these incidents are avoidable and are often a result of life's typical distractions, parents being in a hurry and transporting their children outside of their typical routine. It can also happen when kids climb into an unlocked car.

Prevent hot car deaths

If you are responsible for getting your child from place to place, keep these tips in mind for preventing hot car tragedies:

  1. Place an important item in the backseat. Place your cell phone, briefcase, purse or other important items in the backseat before driving to your destination. This will get you in the routine of checking the backseat every day. If your vehicle has the option to set a rear seat reminder, this is a good option as well.
  2. Establish a peace-of-mind plan. When you drop off your child, make a habit of calling or texting all other caregivers, so all of you know where your child is at all times.
  3. Check the car. Before getting out of the car, check to be sure everyone is out and lock all doors. Thirty percent of the deaths in the U.S. have occurred when a child climbed into an unlocked vehicle.
  4. Lean on daycare providers. Have a plan with your daycare providers. Ask them to call you if your child does not arrive on time, and they have not heard from you.
  5. Always keep your vehicles locked. Vehicular heatstroke deaths in kids don't just happen when a parent forgets their child in a car. According to NHTSA, 26% of kids who die in cars are those who have entered an unlocked car themselves and gotten trapped. Speak with your family and neighbors about the importance of always keeping car doors locked, especially during the hot summer months.
  6. If you see a child alone in a car, dial 911 immediately. Stay at the scene until police arrive.

Learn More

Learn more from experts at Children's Health about keeping your family safe and making summer smart.

Screen capture of family newsletter signup

Thank you!

You are now subscribed to the Children's Health Family Newsletter.

Children's Health will not sell, share or rent your information to third parties. Please read our privacy policy.

Children's Health Family Newsletter

Get health tips and parenting advice from Children's Health experts sent straight to your inbox twice a month.

brain, emergency medicine, heat stroke, injury prevention, safety, stroke

Childrens Health