The total number of child hot car deaths in 2024 has reached 11 as of today, July 17.
In the latest child tragedy, a 2-month-old girl died after being left inside a hot car in New Jersey on Monday.
According to Kids and Car Safety, there are 3 additional child deaths that are likely linked to being left inside a hot car that are pending autopsy results.
Each year, heartbreaking news stories emerge about children who have been forgotten in cars. These incidents often end in tragedy, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and preventive measures.
Sadly, most children left behind in hot cars is because parents/caregivers are preoccupied and just simply forget they are there. It is not because they are bad parents; they just made a mistake that can end in tragedy. That was the case for an Arizona couple in 2019 who ran their older kids to school and forgot about their 3-year-old who was forgotten in dad’s truck after he returned to his home office to dive into his work. The tot usually went to preschool, but was not feeling well that day and needed to stay home with dad. Her dad was on autopilot with his regular routine and just forgot about his young daughter until his wife called to check on her and he remembered he never took her out of her car seat.
The Arizona heat was 98 degrees that day, and by the time the dad called 911, it was too late for the tot. Her parents want everyone to learn from their mistake.
Child hot car deaths occur when children are left unattended in vehicles, where temperatures can rise to lethal levels within minutes. According to data from KidsAndCars.org, an average of 38 children die from heat-related deaths after being left inside cars each year in the United States. Florida consistently ranks among the top states for these incidents, and currently ranks second in the U.S. for the number of child hot car deaths.
With 118 incidents recorded since 1990, Florida is the state with the second-highest number of child fatalities from excessively hot cars. In 2023 alone, 7 kids died, the most in a single year since 2017. Texas has recorded the most child fatalities from overheated cars in the country—155 since 1990. Children under three years old account for 88% of those who pass away from heatstroke after being left alone in a hot car.
The month’s most likely to see hot car deaths are May through September. Unintentionally leaving kids in cars is something that happens most often at the end of the workweek. On the other hand, incidences when kids enter cars by themselves tend to occur more frequently on weekends.
What is the Science Behind Heatstroke?
The interior of a car can heat up at an alarming rate. Even on a relatively mild day, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach dangerous levels. Here is a breakdown of how quickly the temperature can rise:
On a hot day in Florida, where the outside temperature can easily reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the inside of a car can exceed 130 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be fatal for a child, as their bodies heat up 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s.
What Factors Contribute to Child Hot Car Deaths?
The consequences of leaving a child in a hot car are devastating. Heatstroke can occur when the body’s temperature rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and unconsciousness. When the body temperature reaches 107 degrees Fahrenheit, it can result in death.
In response to the persistent problem of hot car deaths, Florida has implemented several measures. Public awareness campaigns aim to educate parents and caregivers about the risks. Law enforcement agencies often run “Look Before You Lock” campaigns during the summer months. Additionally, proposed legislation at both the state and federal levels seek to mandate rear seat reminder systems in all new vehicles.
Remember: It takes only a few minutes for a car to become a death trap for a child. Always check your backseat, lock your car, and educate others. Together, we can save lives. Continue reading
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