It happens far too often. A parent or caregiver goes about their day, running errands or heading to work, only to realize too late—sometimes with devastating consequences—that a child was left inside a hot car. Since 1998, more than 1,000 children have died due to pediatric vehicular heatstroke in the United States. And these tragedies are entirely preventable.
The numbers are staggering. In 2024 alone, 39 children lost their lives due to heatstroke in vehicles. On average, 37 children die each year from this preventable danger, with record highs in 2018 and 2019, when 53 children died each year. The reality? Nearly every state has experienced the heartbreak of a child dying in a hot car.
To raise awareness, educate families, and ultimately prevent the senseless deaths caused by heatstroke, May 1st has been designated Heatstroke Prevention Day. Every child’s life matters.
How Does Vehicular Heatstroke Happen?
Many people assume they could never forget their child in a car. But the truth is, a change in routine is the biggest risk factor. Even the most attentive parents and caregivers can make this tragic mistake.
There are three main ways that children fall victim to heatstroke in vehicles:
- Being forgotten: More than half of all hot car deaths happen when a parent or caregiver unintentionally leaves a child in the car. This is most common with babies and toddlers who are quiet or asleep, especially when there is a change in routine.
- Getting trapped in an unlocked car: Curious children sometimes climb into an unlocked vehicle to play and become trapped inside. Without an adult’s knowledge, they are unable to escape.
- Being left intentionally: Some caregivers mistakenly believe that leaving a child in the car for “just a few minutes” is safe. But a car can heat up rapidly, even on a mild day.
No matter the circumstances, the results can be deadly.
How Fast Can a Car Heat Up?
Many parents don’t realize just how quickly temperatures inside a vehicle can rise.
- Within 10 minutes, a car’s interior can heat up by 20 degrees.
- Rolling down the windows does little to keep a car cool.
- Heatstroke can occur even when the outside temperature is as low as 57°F.
- A child’s body temperature rises 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s, making them especially vulnerable.
- A core body temperature of 107°F is lethal.
Children under one year old are most at risk, accounting for nearly one-third of all hot car deaths.
What Can You Do?
The Once You Park, Stop, Look, Lock campaign, led by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), provides a simple habit to help prevent these tragedies.
STOP before leaving your vehicle. 
LOOK in the back seat. 
LOCK your car so children can’t get inside.
Simple, but lifesaving.
Bystanders—Be Ready to Act!
If you see a child alone in a car:
Call 911 immediately—emergency responders are trained to handle these situations.
Try to locate the parents—ask nearby businesses or individuals.
Take action if the child is in distress—check your state laws regarding “Good Samaritan” protections. Many states allow bystanders to break a window if necessary to save a life.
State-By-State Risks and Trends
While Texas and Florida have had the highest number of child heatstroke deaths, several states also have a high per capita risk, including:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Louisiana
- Nevada
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
Weekends are especially dangerous, with most children getting trapped inside cars on Sundays. Meanwhile, forgotten children are most often left behind on Thursdays and Fridays, when end-of-week stress and distractions peak.
May 1: Heatstroke Prevention Day—Spread the Word!
Hot car deaths aren’t just a summer threat; they can happen anytime. But summertime is the most dangerous season. That’s why May 1 is Heatstroke Prevention Day, a national call to action.
There are many resources available in English and Spanish to help parents, caregivers, and communities spread awareness. Share this message with your local organizations, schools, and social media networks to help keep children safe.
Every death is preventable. Let’s work together to ensure no family has to endure this tragedy.
For more information, go HERE (NHTSA Traffic Safety). or HERE (No Heat Stroke)
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