As temperatures begin to rise in Alabama, and across the country, parents and caregivers need to have an increased awareness of their children’s location in relation to their vehicle.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 940 children have died of a heatstroke over the past 25 years due to being left in a hot car. A record number occurred between 2018 and 2019 combined, where a total of 53 children died.

While being left in a hot car for a long period of time is not safe for anyone, children are especially vulnerable, as their body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult. Additionally, a car’s interior will naturally heat up faster in the sun, and can raise an average of 40 degrees Fahrenheit within an hour.

The three most common ways for a child to die from the conditions of a hot car include: being forgotten or left by a caregiver, children gaining access to an unlocked vehicle on their own or the child being knowingly left. Most of these instances are easily preventable by taking a few extra precautions:

1. A child should never be left unattended in a car for any amount of time. Even if the windows are rolled down, the temperature of the vehicle will not significantly change.

2. The vehicle should be thoroughly checked any time it is going to be locked and left unattended. An easy way to remember to do this is by placing a bag or other object in the back seat that is needed when you leave the car.

3. Work with your childcare provider to notify you at home or work if your child does not show up for care when they normally would be in attendance. This way, you can hopefully reach a child sooner if they are found left in a vehicle.

4. Always keep vehicles locked at home and keep keys out of your child’s reach. This can prevent children from entering a car without the parent’s knowledge.



5. If you see a child locked in a hot car, do not hesitate to call 911. You do not know how long the child has been in the car, and the sooner they are removed, the better.