Temperatures Rise Quickly – Even on Mild Days
As summer approaches, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and local safety officials remind drivers that hot car deaths are the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children 14 and younger. Every death is preventable. A parked car can become dangerously hot in minutes, even when the weather feels mild. In just 10 minutes, the temperature inside a car can rise by 20°F. Cracking windows does not slow the temperature rise significantly.
Children’s Bodies Heat Up 5 Times Faster Than Adults
Heatstroke can begin at 104°F, and death can occur at 107°F. A child’s body heats up five times faster than an adult’s, making them more vulnerable. More than half of pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths result from children being unknowingly left in the vehicle due to a lapse in memory.
Prevention Steps
- Before you walk away, check the back seat.
- Make sure everyone is out.
- Lock your vehicle to prevent children from entering unattended.
