Wellness and Prevention

Between 1998 and 2017, 761 children in the U.S. have died as a result of being left alone in a hot car, and nearly 40 kids die every year in hot cars. Leaving children unattended in a vehicle for even a few minutes can be risking their life.

• 33% of children who die from being left in a hot car are less than one year old
• Cracking your vehicle's windows has very little effect on its temperature
• When left in a hot vehicle, a child's body temperature can increase three to five times as fast as an adult's
• Children left unattended in a vehicle are at risk of being kidnapped
• Children left alone in a car can push buttons, disengage the brakes, put the car in gear or even leave the vehicle and walk away

These tragedies can and do happen to anyone; no parent is immune. The human brain is designed to go into autopilot in times of stress or fatigue, and all parents (especially new ones) can find themselves stressed and fatigued at some point. Fortunately, there are safety habits you can easily implement that can help save the life of your child.

Follow these tips to keep your little ones safe.

Out and about

• Never leave your child unattended in a vehicle
• Make a habit of checking your vehicle before leaving it
• Put your purse, briefcase, or phone in the backseat so you will have to check the back when you arrive at your destination
• Keep a stuffed animal or other reminder next to you in the car as a cue that your child is with you
• If you see a child left alone in a car, contact the police or call 911

At home

• Lock your car doors even when you are home, so kids don't climb in when you aren't looking
• Teach your kids not to play in cars under any circumstances.