Hot Car Danger

Boy in car seat with damp hair from sweating

Almost 150 Texas children died after being trapped in hot cars during the past 25 years. That's more than any other state. You can take steps to avoid a tragic accident this summer.

Around 80% of the heat increase in a car happens during the first 30 minutes after it's shut off. Forgetting your child in a car - even for a short time - can have tragic consequences. It only takes a second for a child to be at risk. A car heats up very quickly even if you crack open the windows.

The facts about kids in hot cars

On average, 38 kids younger than 15 die of heatstroke every year after being left in a hot car or truck.
53% of those deaths happened because a parent or caregiver forgot the child was in the car.
46% of the time a caregiver forgot to drop the child off at day care or school.
54% of deaths were in children under 2.
25% of deaths happened because an unattended child climbed into an unlocked car.
A car can reach 115 F inside when it is only 70 F outside.

Yes, you CAN forget

Most people say they'd never forget their child was in the car. But over half the deaths of kids in hot cars are due to caregivers who forgot.

"Most of the time, there's a change in routine," says Sharon Evans, RN, BSN, CPN, coordinator for Trauma Injury Prevention at Cook Children's. "Maybe Mom takes the kid to day care every day and today Dad took her and just drove into work automatically instead. Parents are exhausted and make mistakes."

Practice reminding yourself

If you make a habit of leaving something you need in the backseat next to your child, it can jog your memory. Place your purse, your cellphone or even your shoe beside your child's car seat every time you drive, even in winter. “When you get out of the car and need your phone or shoe, you'll realize your child's still in the car,” Evans said.

Honking

Toddlers and younger children are naturally curious about everything—and that includes exploring cars. Some deaths happen when kids climb into cars and accidentally lock themselves inside. One way you can protect them is to teach your child to honk the horn if they're trapped in the car. This also applies to children who may be forgotten and accidentally locked in a car.

Get more car safety tips from the experts at Cook Children's Center for Community Health!

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