The Forgotten Factor: How Hot Car Deaths Can Happen to Anyone and What You Can Do to Prevent Them

Every 10 days, on average, a child dies from heatstroke in a vehicle due to an accident when someone forgets the child is inside. This tragic occurrence can happen to anyone, which is why it’s crucial for everyone to pay attention and take action. Hot car deaths are all too common and can have lasting traumatic effects. In many cases, children are unintentionally left in vehicles due to changes in routine. Our brains have a memory system that can cause us to do things automatically, leading to a lack of awareness of other important factors such as the presence of a child in the car.

Even on mild temperature days, the inside of a vehicle can quickly become dangerously hot, putting significant health risks at stake for children or pets left inside. Children are particularly vulnerable as their bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults. While some car manufacturers have introduced technology to remind drivers about items left in the back seat, this advanced technology is not widely available. Consumer Reports recommends that parents establish routines with personal reminders every time they drive. For example, placing a personal item in the back seat will ensure they check it after every trip.

Creating this habit could potentially save lives as it triggers behavioral change that could help prevent these incidents from happening altogether. It’s essential never to leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even if you crack open a window or park in the shade. By implementing simple strategies and remaining vigilant, we can help prevent these tragic incidents from occurring and keep our children safe during hot summer months.