Health & Fitness
Keeping Kids Out of Hot Cars
News flash: It can happen to anyone, regardless of education or social standing.
As the temperatures climb, so too does the risk of injury or death from heatstroke. Thirteen children have already died in hot cars this year. But this tragedy is 100 percent preventable. You should know what we can do to spread the word about the risks and consequences of leaving a kid in a hot car.
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44
Deaths
In 2013, 44 children died of heatstroke after being left in the car, one of the worst years on record. Another 13 fatalities have been reported this year.
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Source: Child Nontraffic Fatalities by Type and Year,Kidsandcars.org
5x
Faster
A child's body heat can rise up to five times faster than an adult’s. In just 10 minutes, a car can heat up 20 degrees, quickly pushing a child’s body temperature to lethal levels.
Source: Kids in Hot Cars Heatstroke Fact Sheet, Parents Central, Safercar.gov (download)
1.5
Million
Forget
According to a national study, 11 percent of parents admit to forgetting their child in a car. For those with children three and under, it is nearly one in four parents.
Source: National Online Survey, Safe Kids Worldwide
BOOKMARK FAVORITES /Safe Kids Worldwide Offers Heatstroke Activist ToolkitExtensive educational resources on heatstroke prevention are available from Safe Kids Worldwide. Download the ACT Now toolkit or watch a simulation video of a car rapidly heating in direct sunlight.
July 31 Is National Heatstroke Prevention DayThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration encourages Americans to get involved to tackle this important safety issue: Take the Ray Ray pledge, review info-graphics and share safety tips (download).
Look Before You Lock
Since 1998, at least 606 children – or one child every 10 days on average – have died from heatstroke after being left in a hot car. The “Where’s Baby?” campaign was started to prevent these tragedies.
Father Tells His Agonizing Story to Help Others
Seventeen-month-old Payton Lyn died of heatstroke after she was left in a hot car. Her father promises to honor her memory by educating others about the risk of heatstroke.
