Heat-Related Car Deaths: A Growing Concern for Parents
On an 80-degree day, a car’s temperature can rise 19 degrees in 10 minutes. Leaving a child in the car while running into the store just for “a couple of minutes” could quickly put them at risk, as children’s bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults.
Texas leads in heat-related car deaths of children for 2025, with five of 18 national hot car deaths in the state, according to the website kidsandcars.org . Three of these car deaths occurred within the same week in late June to early July.
With high temperatures expected to push 100 degrees this week, Children’s Health System of Texas experts say parents should start implementing preventative techniques to keep their children safe.
Prevention Techniques
There are several ways parents can prevent heat-related car deaths. One of the most effective ways is to put necessary items in the back seat.
Put Necessary Items in the Back Seat
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Putting items in the back seat, such as keys, a cellphone, a purse or even a shoe, could help parents practice prevention.
“You’re not going to walk away with one shoe on and not the other,” David Aguilar, an injury prevention specialist at Children’s Health, said. “Little things like that will help develop habits.”
Aguilar said regularly having to grab something you need from the back seat will create a routine of checking it. This can ensure parents won’t forget to check on their child on a busy day.
“Majority of the time, it is just a parent having a busy day or just forgetting,” Aguilar said. “Whenever a child is quiet and a parent is preoccupied with other activities … it’s really easy for them to forget that they have a child in the back.”
Emphasize that the Car is Not a Toy
Many heat-related car deaths are due to kids unlocking a car to play inside, and not being able to get out, according to Aguilar.
He said it’s essential for parents to lock their cars as soon as they get home, and keep keys far from their child’s reach. Additionally, reminding your child that the car is not a toy is crucial for prevention.
Aguilar said if parents are at home and are unable to locate a child, always check the car.
Call 911 if You See a Child Alone in a Car
Aguilar said that if you see a child in the back seat of a car without their caregiver, whether they are in distress or not, do not hesitate to call 911.
“Just these next few days we’re going to be at 100 [degrees], and if you leave a child in a car for 30 minutes, it can get up to 134, and their body heats up to more than 104 degrees,” Aguilar said. “It could be fatal for a child.”
The small amount of time could be life-altering for a parent. Implementing preventative practices and safety measures can help avoid a world of possibilities, Aguilar said.
“I think most of the time we think, ‘That only happens to negligent parents. It will never happen to me.’” Aguilar said. “If we think that way, it’s really easy for us to overlook certain things.”
Why Heat-Related Car Deaths Occur
Heat-related car deaths can occur due to various reasons, including parents forgetting their child in the car or children accidentally locking themselves in the car.
According to Aguilar, majority of the time, it is just a parent having a busy day or just forgetting. Whenever a child is quiet and a parent is preoccupied with other activities, it’s easy for them to forget that they have a child in the back.
Conclusion
Heat-related car deaths are a growing concern for parents, and it’s essential to take preventative measures to keep children safe. By putting necessary items in the back seat, emphasizing that the car is not a toy, and calling 911 if you see a child alone in a car, parents can help prevent these tragic incidents.
It’s crucial for parents to be aware of the risks and take steps to prevent heat-related car deaths. By working together, we can create a safer environment for children and prevent these senseless tragedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main cause of heat-related car deaths in children?
A: The main cause of heat-related car deaths in children is parents forgetting their child in the car or children accidentally locking themselves in the car.
Q: How can I prevent heat-related car deaths?
A: You can prevent heat-related car deaths by putting necessary items in the back seat, emphasizing that the car is not a toy, and calling 911 if you see a child alone in a car.
Q: What should I do if I see a child alone in a car?
A: If you see a child alone in a car, do not hesitate to call 911. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and ensure the child’s safety.
Q: How can I remind myself to check the back seat?
A: You can remind yourself to check the back seat by putting necessary items in the back seat, such as keys, a cellphone, or a purse. This will create a routine of checking the back seat and ensure you don’t forget your child.
