The Ultimate Guide: How to Prevent Hot Car Deaths

Most people are aware that hot cars can be dangerous for kids, but how exactly does heatstroke occur?

Here Are Some Facts About Heatstroke

• Since 1998, almost 1,000 children have died from heatstroke in hot cars.

• Approximately 40 children die from heatstroke each year, which equates to about one child every 10 days.

• Heatstroke is a leading cause of child death, and most times it occurs when a child is left or trapped in the back seat of a hot car.

• Heatstroke deaths can happen at any time, regardless of the season. It doesn't have to be summer for the temperature to rise to a point when a child's body heats too much.

• Over half of hot car deaths occur when a caregiver forgets a child in a car, and the child's body heats to dangerous levels.

Prevention Strategies 

When the outside temperature rises, how can caregivers make sure they don't leave their child alone in the car?

Check the Backseat

Parents should take special caution when they have kids in the car. Just like they take care when driving their vehicle safely on the road when their kids are with them, parents should also take special precautions during hot weather to prevent hot car deaths.

When operating a vehicle, caregivers should make a habit of checking the back seat of their car before they lock the doors and roll up the window, making sure their children aren't left behind. They can also just make a habit of checking the backseat every time they exit their vehicle, no matter what time or season.

Some people also practice safe habits by putting their important items (like a laptop, cell phone, or briefcase) in the backseat to make sure they have to go to the back and see their children there. They can also place a stuffed animal, diaper bag, or bottle in the front seat to help remind them that there are children in the vehicle.

These simple tips can help save a child's life!

Safe Child’s Car Seat Practices

• Always lock your car doors and trunk, year-round, to prevent unauthorized access.

• Never leave a child alone in a parked car, as this is the most preventable cause of hot car deaths.

• A child’s body temperature can rise three to five times faster than an adult’s, making it a serious risk.

Who Is Most Vulnerable To Heatstroke In Cars?

Most children who have died in a hot car were under the age of 3. Infants and toddlers should never be left in vehicles for any amount of time without an adult. Hot car deaths are preventable, as long as people take caution, always check the back seat when they exit their vehicle, and be sure to pay attention to the heat. The interior temperature of a car can rise several times faster than outdoor temperature, making the inside of the vehicle a potentially dangerous environment for young children who lack the ability to regulate their core body temperature.

Hot Car Safety Tips 

Lock Your Car Doors

Any driver should make sure to always keep their car locked, year-round, to make sure children can't get inside without supervision. People can practice safety by locking their vehicle when it's parked at home to make sure curious kids won't accidentally lock themselves inside.

People can also practice the habit of "looking before locking." It only takes a minute to check that everyone is out of the car before you lock the doors and windows.

Keep Car Keys Out Of Children's Reach

Don't leave your keys in obvious places where your children can find them. Kids can take the keys and go exploring, potentially locking themselves in a dangerously hot vehicle without their parents noticing. Always keep your car locked when it's parked at home.

Avoid Distractions

A distracted driver is a dangerous driver. Just like you practice caution when driving on the road, practice safety by teaching kids not to play in or around your vehicle. Cars are not safe places for children to play. Teach children that they can play in safe spaces, like inside the house, at the park, at school, or in the yard (supervised), but an unlocked car isn't a good place to explore and play.

Pay Attention to Children In Car Seats

The most vulnerable population for hot car deaths are babies and toddlers under the age of 3. If you have children in car seats, make a habit of checking the back seat often. Never, ever leave young children unattended in a vehicle. Hot cars might seem like a nuisance to parents, but hot cars can be more than just uncomfortable for young kids - they can be lethal.

Assess Your Routine

Breaking routine puts adults at a higher risk of forgetting their children in a hot car. Heatstroke deaths in children have occurred because exhausted or distracted parents have experienced a change in routine and therefore weren't expecting their children to be in the car at a given moment in the day. If your daily routine suddenly changes, take extra steps to make sure that you remember to take your kids out of the car when you go somewhere. Use a visual reminder or set an alarm on your phone to remind you that your child is with you.

Emergency Procedures 

Preventing vehicular heatstroke should be a priority for everyone. What should people do when they see a child alone in a hot car?

What to Do in Case of an Emergency

• If you see a child alone in a vehicle, check to see if the child is alert and responsive.

• If the child is unresponsive, call emergency personnel immediately.

• If you find a child in a car seat locked in a car, try to stay calm and act with urgency.

• Check if you can open the door and get the child out of their car seat. If the child seems to be in distress, break the car window to reach in and unlock the door. Heat can affect a child quickly.

• If possible, move the child to a shaded area and call 911 or your local emergency number. As quickly as you can, remove the child from the heat and help their body temperature come down.

Hot Car Death Prevention

Check the laws in your state to ensure you are aware of the specific regulations regarding hot car deaths. Caregivers should remember, it is never safe to leave a young child alone in a car for any length of time.