How to Prevent Tragedy: Hot Car Safety Guide
Every summer, heartbreaking headlines remind us of the dangers of leaving children, pets, or vulnerable adults inside parked vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 40 children die in hot cars every year in the United States. Already in 2025, at least 23 hot car deaths have been reported, the most recent occurring in California on August 18, according to KidsAndCars.org.
Experts stress that these tragedies are entirely preventable—and that they can happen to anyone.
Why Hot Cars Are So Dangerous
The interior of a car can heat up far faster than many realize. Temperatures inside a vehicle can climb 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, even if the car is parked in the shade or the windows are cracked. On a mild day in the 60s, the temperature inside a car can still soar to 110 degrees, the National Weather Service warns.
Children are especially vulnerable because their body temperature rises three to five times faster than that of adults. That makes them much more susceptible to heatstroke, a condition that can quickly become fatal if not addressed. Pets are equally at risk.
Over the last 35 years, more than 1,100 children have died from heatstroke after being forgotten or trapped in cars, according to KidsAndCars.org. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reports that more than 1,000 Americans of all ages die from extreme heat every year.
When Do Hot Car Deaths Happen?
The majority of hot car deaths occur between May and September, but they can happen at any time of year. The peak months are June, July, and August, when temperatures are highest.
Data shows that most incidents are accidental, often involving a caregiver who became distracted or had a memory lapse. David Diamond, a psychology professor at the University of South Florida, has studied these cases extensively. He emphasizes that forgetting a child in a car is usually not a sign of negligence, but a failure of memory under stressful circumstances. “It can happen to everyone,” he explained to Consumer Reports.
How to Prevent Hot Car Deaths
Because these tragedies are preventable, experts urge parents, caregivers, and pet owners to take proactive steps. Here are proven tips from NHTSA and KidsAndCars.org:
Always check the back seat. Place a purse, phone, or even a shoe in the back seat so you are forced to look before leaving the car.
Create a visual cue. Keep a child’s toy in the car seat when it’s empty. Move it to the front seat once the child is buckled in.
Set reminders. Program your phone or vehicle to alert you to check the back seat at the end of every trip.
Communicate with caregivers. Ask your child care provider to call you immediately if your child doesn’t arrive as expected.
Secure your car. Keep vehicles locked at all times and store keys out of reach of children to prevent them from climbing inside.
Teach children safety skills. Show toddlers how to honk the horn if they ever become trapped inside a vehicle.
Never leave pets unattended. Consider if bringing your pet along is necessary. If you do, take them with you every time you exit the vehicle.
Act if you see danger. If you spot a child or pet left in a car, call 911 immediately. If they appear hot or unresponsive, try to remove them from the vehicle as quickly as possible.
A Community Responsibility
While most cases involve parents or guardians, experts emphasize that anyone can help prevent a tragedy. Neighbors, passersby, and strangers can save lives simply by speaking up when they see a child or pet left in a hot car.
As the NHTSA reminds: “These tragedies can happen to anyone—but they are always preventable.”
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