Hot car fatalities can happen any time of year, even in mild weather. Protecting children and pets requires vigilance and proactive safety measures.

1. Heatstroke Risk is High All Year

• 37 children die annually in hot car incidents, the leading non-crash vehicle fatality for kids under 14.
• Even mild outdoor temperatures (61°F) can lead to car interiors exceeding 105°F within an hour.

2. Key Findings from Experts' Testing

• Rapid Heat Buildup:
• At 61°F outside, car interiors reached 105°F in 1 hour.

• At 78°F, lighter-colored cars hit 104°F, while darker cars reached 109°F.

• Myths Dispelled:

• Car Color: Light or dark, both heat up quickly.
• Windows Cracked: Provides minimal relief as heat continues to radiate from car interiors.
• Shade: Shaded vehicles can still reach fatal temperatures for children in less than 2 hours.

3. Why Children are at Higher Risk

• Body Heat Regulation:
• Kids' bodies heat up 3-5x faster than adults, making them vulnerable to heatstroke.

• They dehydrate more quickly and can’t efficiently cool themselves.

• Heatstroke Danger:

• Threshold: 104°F internal body temperature.
• Risk of death: 107°F.

4. Safety Tips to Prevent Tragedies

• Never Leave Children or Pets Unattended:

• Even brief periods can be fatal.

• Lock Vehicles:

• Prevent kids from gaining access. Keep keys out of reach.

• Check for Missing Kids:

• Always check pools first, then cars, including the trunk.

• Be Aware of Non-Summer Risks:

• Heatstroke can occur in winter climates with mild temperatures.

5. Automaker Technology is Crucial

• Integrated Alert Systems:
• Features that detect children or pets in the cabin and trigger alerts are critical.

• Experts advocate for standardized systems in all vehicles, not just luxury models.

• Aftermarket Systems:

• Less reliable as they depend on consistent user behavior.

6. Spread Awareness and Advocate for Change

• Educate Caregivers:

• Research shows these tragedies often result from unintentional errors, not neglect.

• Support Safety Initiatives:

• Push for policies requiring built-in detection systems in all new vehicles.

By staying vigilant and advocating for better safety technology, we can prevent these avoidable tragedies. Never leave anyone unattended in a car—ever.

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