There are three common ways children end up in hot cars
1. Forgotten: More than 50%
More than 50% of pediatric vehicular heatstroke incidents occur when a child is forgotten in the car. The most common cause is when a change in routine or distraction leads to a child being unintentionally left behind. Parents and caregivers—regardless of how loving and attentive—can forget a child, especially when routines shift.
2. Gained Access: More than 25%
More than 25% of pediatric vehicular heatstroke incidents occur when a child gains access to a vehicle. Children are curious. They may climb into an unlocked car while playing and become trapped, unable to get back out. Young kids can often open a car door from the outside but may not know how to unlock it from the inside.
3. Knowingly Left: About 20%
About 20% of pediatric vehicular heastroke cases occur when a child is knowingly left in the vehicle. Some caregivers believe it’s safe to leave a child in a vehicle “just for a few minutes,” even on warm days. But temperatures inside a car can rise dangerously fast, leading to heatstroke in a matter of minutes—no matter the weather.
Work to Prevent Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke Tragedies
Download and share these free resources to raise awareness and prevent tragedies: