Preventing Hot Car Deaths: A Lifesaving Reminder From the NHTSA

By Eugene Bruno on August 17, 2025

Every year, tragic incidents occur when children are left unattended in vehicles, leading to preventable heatstroke deaths. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched the “Stop. Look. Lock.” campaign to raise awareness and provide actionable steps to prevent these tragedies.

Understanding the Dangers

• Rapid Temperature Rise: A child’s body temperature can increase three to five times faster than an adult’s. Even on mild days, the interior of a vehicle can heat up quickly, creating life-threatening conditions.
• Critical Temperatures: Heatstroke begins when the body’s core temperature reaches about 104°F. Death can occur when it reaches 107°F or higher.
• Recent Statistics: In 2024, 39 children died from heatstroke in vehicles, marking a significant increase from previous years.

Key Prevention Tips

For Parents and Caregivers

1. Never Leave a Child Unattended: Even for a brief moment, never leave a child alone in a vehicle. Cracking windows or parking in the shade does little to reduce the interior temperature.
2. Establish Habits: Always check the back seat before locking the car and walking away. Over 50% of pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths result from caregivers forgetting a child in the car.
3. Use Reminders: Place a personal item, like a purse or briefcase, in the back seat as a reminder to look before you lock. You can also place a stuffed animal in the passenger seat to remind you that a child is in the back seat.
4. Secure Car Keys: Store car keys and fobs out of a child’s reach and teach children that a vehicle is not a play area.

For the Community

• Secure Your Vehicle: Always lock your car when it’s not in use. Even if you don’t have a child of your own, a child in your neighborhood could get into your unlocked vehicle.
• Take Action: If you see a child alone in a locked car, call 911 immediately. A child’s life could depend on your swift response.

Remember: Stop. Look. Lock.

By adopting these simple yet effective practices, we can collectively work towards preventing these heartbreaking incidents. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and always prioritize the safety of our children.

For more information and resources, visit the NHTSA’s official campaign page: Prevent Hot Car Deaths.